Enter 
Wild Flower Shop 
to shop online for Wild Flower Plants, Seeds, Bulbs, Meadow Mixes & Pond Plants

 Wild Garlic (Ramsons)
Allium ursinum

Other Names:  Ramsons
Distribution:  Native perennial of woods and shady places throughout Britain.
Habitat:  Native perennial of woods and shady places preferring damp conditions.
Description:  A medium perennial growing up to 45cm.  The leaves are broad and flat.  The white, star-shaped flowers are held in a spherical head from April to June. 
Uses:  The bulbs can be used for cooking although the usual culinary species is Allium sativum. The leaves, however, can be used in salads or cooked to flavour dishes. They particularly complement soft cheeses. In the past, it has been used to treat digestive disorders, rheumatism, high blood pressure and asthma.
Other Notes:  The plant is similar to the poisonous Lily of the Valley when not in flower, but the garlic smell of Ramsons when crushed is distinctive.

Sowing Instructions for Seeds:  Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots.  Plant the seedlings out into their final position in summer.  

Planting Instructions for Bulbs:  Wild Garlic bulbs should be planted in the autumn as soon as received.  They are best planted where they can be left undisturbed.  Plant with about 10cm of soil above the bulb, so that the soil covering does not dry out during the Spring.  If the soil dries out, the plant may not have sufficient moisture to build up the bulb for flowering the following year.