Society Garlic

how long do they live?

Society garlic plants can live several years in warmer climates with proper care, often lasting 3–5 years or more in ideal conditions.

is there any other color other than the pink that is edible

No, only the standard light pink or lilac-colored flowers are typically edible; these flowers have a mild garlic flavor.

Do these smell garlicky?

Yes, society garlic plants emit a garlicky aroma, especially when leaves or stems are crushed, making them a popular choice for natural pest deterrence.

Don't they attract flies?

Society garlic is not known to attract flies; in fact, the strong garlic scent may help keep some insects away.

When is the best time for pulling your bulbs for inside use

For indoor storage, dig up society garlic bulbs in late fall before the first frost and replant them outside after the last frost in spring.

Does it help deter deer from my other plants?

Yes, society garlic is often used to deter deer, as they typically dislike the garlic-like scent of the plant.

Does it keep snakes away.

While society garlic is sometimes rumored to repel snakes, there’s limited evidence to confirm this effect.

Does it grow an actual garlic bulb

Society garlic does not produce a true garlic bulb but has small rhizomes and roots instead.

Can it live indoor?

Yes, society garlic can be grown indoors in a sunny location, making it a good option for overwintering in colder climates.

Is society garlic perennials

Society garlic is a perennial in warmer climates (zones 7–10), coming back each year in suitable temperatures.

Is Garlic plant poisonous to dogs

Yes, society garlic is toxic to dogs if ingested, potentially causing symptoms like vomiting and digestive issues.

Hi how tall and wide fully grown? Thanks

Society garlic can grow up to 12–24 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide, making it a compact choice for garden borders.

What is the nutritional value

Society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, but its leaves and flowers are also used in culinary applications. Here's an overview of its potential nutritional value:

• Vitamins: Society garlic contains vitamins A and C, both of which have antioxidant properties and support the immune system.
• Minerals: It may provide calcium and iron, which contribute to bone health and red blood cell production.
• Phytochemicals: The plant contains flavonoids and sulfur compounds that are known for their health-promoting properties, similar to regular garlic (Allium sativum), such as supporting heart health and having anti-inflammatory effects.

Though it has some culinary uses, it's less common in diets compared to regular garlic, and its precise nutritional breakdown isn't as well-studied. It's most often used as a garnish or flavoring in small quantities.

Is there a plant similar to garlic that has a strong -not pleasant odor?

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is an herb with a strong scent that some may find unpleasant, and it is known for its pest-deterrent properties.

Can you eat the stems?

Yes, the leaves and flowers of society garlic are edible and have a mild garlic flavor, suitable for culinary use.

Is it a repellant for rodents and bugs

Yes, society garlic's garlicky aroma helps repel certain rodents and insects, making it useful in pest management.

Will animals eat them or dig them up

Most animals, including rabbits and deer, avoid society garlic due to its strong odor, so it’s rarely disturbed by wildlife.

What’s the spacing when planting it

Plant society garlic 12–18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.

How many would I need for an area 8 feet by 8 feet?

For an 8x8-foot area, you would need around 25–36 society garlic plants, depending on how dense you want the coverage.

Does it do well in northern exposure?

Society garlic prefers full sun to partial shade and may struggle with too much northern exposure if there isn’t enough sunlight.

Are these plants wind resistant?

Yes, society garlic is fairly wind-resistant and grows well in open areas with good air circulation, making it a hardy choice for exposed spots.

can you eat it

Yes, it is edible 

Is society garlic edible? I.e. can it be used in salads or as garnish?

Yes, Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Both the leaves and the flowers of the plant have a mild garlic flavor, making them a versatile addition to various dishes.

Culinary Uses:

1. Leaves: The leaves can be chopped and used as a substitute for chives or garlic chives. They add a subtle garlic flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes.

2. Flowers: The flowers are also edible and can be used as a decorative and flavorful garnish for salads, soups, or other dishes.

3. Bulbs: While the bulbs are technically edible, they are not commonly used in cooking, as they have a much stronger and more pungent flavor compared to the leaves and flowers.

Considerations:

• Mildness: Society Garlic has a milder flavor than true garlic (Allium sativum), so it won't overpower dishes.
• Raw or Cooked: Both the leaves and flowers can be used raw or cooked, depending on your preference.

Overall, Society Garlic is not only ornamental but also a tasty and safe option for culinary use.

Do deer eat this plant?

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is generally considered deer-resistant. The plant has a strong garlic-like scent that tends to deter deer and other herbivores from eating it. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Society Garlic is typically not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer are present.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: In areas with very high deer pressure and limited food sources, deer might nibble on plants they would usually avoid, but Society Garlic is usually low on their list of preferred plants.
• Companion Planting: Planting Society Garlic alongside other deer-resistant plants can help create a landscape that is less appealing to deer overall.

In summary, Society Garlic is a good option if you're looking for a deer-resistant plant.

Does this plant repel Moles?

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is sometimes believed to have natural pest-repelling properties due to its strong garlic-like scent. While its pungent aroma can be effective in deterring some insects and even small mammals like deer or rabbits, there is no strong evidence to suggest that Society Garlic effectively repels moles.

Moles and Plant Repellents:

• Mole Behavior: Moles are primarily insectivores, feeding on grubs, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling insects. Their presence in a garden is often more related to food availability than plant choice.
• Plant Repellents: While certain plants with strong odors (like marigolds or castor beans) are sometimes suggested as mole repellents, their effectiveness is limited and inconsistent. Moles are more likely to avoid areas that lack their food sources rather than avoid specific plants.

Alternative Mole Control Methods:

• Physical Barriers: Installing underground barriers, like hardware cloth or metal mesh, can help prevent moles from entering specific garden areas.
• Traps: Setting mole traps in active tunnels can be an effective way to reduce mole populations.
• Soil Treatments: Reducing the population of soil insects (like grubs) can make your garden less attractive to moles.

In summary, while Society Garlic may have some repellent properties against certain pests, it is not a reliable method for repelling moles. Other control methods are generally more effective for managing mole activity.

Can you eat it?

Yes, you can eat it. 

Is this the garlic plant that the smell keeps the dear away

Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is generally considered deer-resistant. The plant has a strong garlic-like scent that tends to deter deer and other herbivores from eating it. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Society Garlic is typically not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer are present.

Additional Considerations:

• Location: In areas with very high deer pressure and limited food sources, deer might nibble on plants they would usually avoid, but Society Garlic is usually low on their list of preferred plants.
• Companion Planting: Planting Society Garlic alongside other deer-resistant plants can help create a landscape that is less appealing to deer overall.

In summary, Society Garlic is a good option if you're looking for a deer-resistant plant.

Is this plant just for show or is it edible? I love garlic.

They are actually edible! Commonly used as a garnish for salads.

Will these plants repel iguanas? Will they grow in full sun in the Florida Keys if given plenty of water?

Society garlic may help repel iguanas due to its strong garlic-like scent, which many animals find unappealing. However, iguanas are persistent and may still nibble on them if other food sources are scarce.

Yes, society garlic thrives in full sun and can handle the intense sunlight in the Florida Keys, provided it has regular watering, especially in the hottest months. Its drought tolerance also helps it adapt to the area's heat and humidity once established.

Está planta ahuyenta los mosquitos

La planta de ajo social (Tulbaghia violacea), también conocida como "society garlic," puede ayudar a repeler ciertos insectos, incluidos algunos tipos de mosquitos, debido a su olor fuerte y característico a ajo. Sin embargo, no es una planta repelente de mosquitos muy poderosa, por lo que se recomienda complementarla con otras plantas repelentes, como citronela, albahaca o lavanda, para lograr una mejor protección contra los mosquitos.

Will this plant survive in places like north central Ohio?

Society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) can survive in USDA zones 7–10. In north central Ohio (zone 6), it may not survive outdoors through winter but can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.