How to Grow Society Garlic

With its garlic scents and delicate flowers, Society Garlic is a popular choice for the easy care gardener. Not only do they tolerate periods of neglect, they are tolerant of the heat and salt sprays. They come to life in summer when their delicate mauve-pink flowers appear high above their grey green foliage. Great for use as borders, near walkways or those really neglected areas in the garden.

Full sun to shade

Regular watering. Can tolerate periods of drought

Well drained soil

Suitable for all climatic zones

How to grow society garlic in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to shade that has well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to society garlic in a pot

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun to shade that has well drained soil.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Great plant for borders, around swimming pools or for exposed areas.
Can tolerate light frosts but prefer to be protected in the colder months. Applications of mulch will protect the main rhizome from frosts.
Remove spent flowers to improve the appearance of the plant.
Society Garlic responds well to a hard prune in spring.
The leaves and flowers are edible and are said to leave no tell tale odours on the breath.
Tulbaghia 'Fairy Star' is a dainty variety that produces tiny pink flowers during summer.