Society Garlic: for Health: Traditional Uses and Effective Home Remedies

If your garden plants aren’t growing or blooming as you hoped, you’re not alone. Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is a fast-growing herb known for its attractive look, hardiness, and gentle garlic scent. People have valued this plant for centuries, not just for how it looks but also for its traditional uses in medicine and cooking. Whether you enjoy gardening, herbs, or natural remedies, society garlic is a plant to consider.

This guide covers the basics of society garlic: what it looks like, how to grow it, its health benefits, and how to use it in home remedies and cooking. Let’s start by exploring what makes this herb special.

Key Takeaways

• Society garlic grows to 24 inches tall and produces clusters of purple, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators.
• Its strap-like leaves release a garlic aroma when crushed, acting as a natural deer deterrent (learn more about deer-resistant landscaping).
• The leaves and flowers are edible and offer a mild garlic flavor for soups, salads, and garnishes.
• In folk medicine, society garlic has been used for treating colds, coughs, digestive issues, and even high blood pressure.
• With the right soil, sunlight, and some care, this plant can bring both beauty and health benefits to your garden. Now, let’s see what makes society garlic unique.

What is Society Garlic?

Society garlic is a perennial plant from southern Africa. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes onions, leeks, and garlic. The plant grows in clumps with narrow, grass-like leaves that give off a strong garlic scent when touched. From late spring to summer, tall stems grow above the leaves and show clusters of star-shaped purple flowers.

Society garlic isn’t the same as true garlic (Allium sativum) and is mainly grown for its appearance and herbal uses. Gardeners like it because it thrives in sunny spots, tolerates drought, and its strong smell helps keep deer away. Here are some of its main features.

Key Features of Society Garlic

1. Star-Shaped Purple Flowers

Society garlic has tubular flowers that grow in clusters, giving the plant a bold look. Their lavender and purple colors brighten gardens and attract bees and butterflies. These flowers bloom in the warmer months and last for weeks, adding lasting color.

2. Grass-Like Foliage

The long, narrow leaves resemble ornamental grasses and grow in clumps up to 18 to 24 inches tall. Crushing the leaves releases a garlic scent that helps keep garden pests away.

3. Garlic-Like Aroma

Society garlic smells like garlic, but it is not related to true garlic bulbs. Its strong scent keeps deer and rabbits away, so it’s a good choice for gardens with these animals.

For more insight, see this discussion on garlic smells around homes.

How to Grow Society Garlic

Society garlic is popular because it is easy to care for. Here’s how you can grow it successfully:

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Soil: Light, sandy, and well-drained.
• Sunlight: Full sun for best growth and blooms (at least 6 hours of daily sunlight).
• Size: Mature plants grow up to 24 inches tall and about 10 inches wide.

Soil and Watering Requirements

Society garlic does best in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay, or add sand to help with drainage. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter when it’s dormant.

Sunlight Needs

To get bright flowers and healthy leaves, make sure your society garlic gets lots of direct sunlight. It can grow in some shade, but you may see fewer blooms.

Pruning and Maintenance

Trim any yellow or damaged leaves and remove old flower stalks to help the plant bloom more. Divide the clumps every two to three years so they do not get too crowded.

Caring for Society Garlic

Fertilization Tips

Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring, such as 10-10-10, to help the plant grow. Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause more leaves to grow instead of flowers.

Pest and Disease Management

This plant naturally resists deer and most pests because of its garlic-like smell. However, if the soil is too wet, it can get fungal problems like root rot. Plant it in raised beds or sandy soil to prevent waterlogging.

Uses of Society Garlic

1. Culinary Uses

• Leaves: Finely chopped leaves add a mild garlic flavor to salads, soups, omelets, and stir-fries.
• Flowers: The purple blooms are edible and make beautiful garnishes.
• Cooking Tip: Add fresh garlic toward the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor.

Check out related recipes using garlic varieties such as garlic scapes and wild garlic.

2. Ornamental Purposes

Society garlic looks great along garden borders, walkways, or in pots. Its bright flowers and grassy clumps offer greenery all year and add color in different seasons.

3. Traditional Health Benefits

In African folk medicine, society garlic has been used to:

• Relieve colds, coughs, and chest infections.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Improve digestion.
• It also works as an anti-inflammatory and has antimicrobial properties.

These traditional uses align with how garlic species have been widely celebrated for their health benefits, as highlighted by Healthline.

Home Remedies with Society Garlic

1. Herbal Infusion for Colds

• Crush fresh leaves.
• Steep in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
• Drink as a mild herbal tea to relieve cold symptoms.

2. Topical Use for Inflammation

Crushed leaves can be applied to minor wounds or insect bites to reduce swelling and irritation.

3. Natural Garden Remedy

Planted around roses, society garlic helps deter pests and fungal diseases. For more insights, explore ‘Roses Love Garlic.’

Exploring Society Garlic in the Garlic Family

Society garlic, though not a true garlic, shares many characteristics with the Allium family. For a broader perspective, explore these varieties:

• Garlic Scapes: Tender shoots perfect for pesto and stir-fries.
• Garlic Flower: Edible blossoms with antimicrobial properties.
• Garlic Rose: The “stinking rose” is celebrated in cuisine and folk medicine.
• Wild Garlic: A springtime favorite in woodlands, rich in vitamin C.

All these plants can add variety to your garden and kitchen, showing just how versatile garlic and its relatives can be.

Conclusion

Society garlic is more than just a pretty plant. It is a hardy herb used in cooking, traditional health remedies, and as a natural way to keep pests away. With some care, you can enjoy its beauty in your garden, its flavor in your kitchen, and its health benefits at home.

Whether you plant it for its looks or to try its herbal uses, society garlic is a great addition to any garden. Its star-shaped flowers and garlic scent add charm, usefulness, and a touch of wellness to your space.

FAQs

1. What is Society Garlic?

   It is a perennial plant (Tulbaghia violacea) with garlic-scented leaves and purple star-shaped flowers. It is unrelated to true garlic but shares similar uses.

1. Can you eat society garlic?

   Yes! Both the leaves and flowers are edible, adding a mild garlic flavor to dishes.

1. How do you grow society garlic?

    Plant bulbs in sandy, well-drained soil under full sun. Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering during dormancy.

1. Does society garlic repel pests?

    Yes. Its garlic smell deters deer and some insect pests, making it an effective companion plant.

1. Is society garlic safe for pets?

    Unlike true garlic, society garlic is considered non-toxic to dogs, making it safe for pet-friendly gardens.