Garlic - Allium sativum
Type: Perennial
Garlic, or Allium Sativum is an extremely well-recognised herb, and can be found in almost every kitchen! Associated with Mediterranean and Eastern cooking, garlic is also seen as medicinal plant, with many believing it to have anti-viral and antibacterial properties.
Growing garlic is very easy, and each plant will reach 40 - 60cm, preferring fertile well-drained soil. Propogate by splitting the bulb into individual cloves and planting directly into the ground in the Autumn months. The plants should be watered in dry spells to encourage the bulbs to swell. Garlic plants do produce greenish-white flowers, but these will only appear in warmer climates.
Autumn planted bulbs can be lifted in early summer and used to add flavour to almost any dish!
Popular species are available from August at Hooksgreen Herbs.