Alliaria petiolata
Garlic mustard
Common names: Garlic weed, Garlic hedgehog
Photo: O. Pichard · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Alliaria petiolata is a biennial herb in the Brassicaceae family that grows along forest edges, hedges, and in partially shaded garden corners. When a leaf is crushed, it releases a strong garlic aroma, which is the basis for its culinary use. In the first year it forms a flat rosette of leaves; in the second year it produces a flowering stem bearing small white flowers and then self‑seeds.
Care instructions
Sow in a partially shaded spot; the plant will often self‑seed. In the first year it only forms a leaf rosette, flowering occurs in the second year. The soil should be humus‑rich and slightly moist; water during dry periods, especially in the first year. It tolerates cold well and does not need winter protection. Harvest young leaves before flowering for the mildest flavor, suitable for pesto or salads. Leave some plants to self‑seed for natural succession.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
humus-rich, moist, nutrient-rich, lime-loving
Feeding
Light feeder
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