Wild Garlic (Ramsons)

Wild Garlic (Ramsons): variety and characteristics

Wild Garlic (Ramsons) (Allium ursinum) is a perennial herb of the Onion family (Amaryllidaceae). Wild garlic, also known as ramsons, is a perennial plant that reaches a height of 30-40 cm.

In spring it gives edible leaves and white flowers gathered in umbrella-shaped heads.

The leaves are rich in vitamin C, a great addition to cheese, sauces and soups.

The plant is also highly ornamental.

In summer the leaves wilt and bulbs remain in the soil, which can be used like garlic.

Wild onion and ramsons (wild garlic) are perennial woodland bulbs with aromatic leaves that are picked in early spring.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Seeds per packet: 51–69 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; direct (cold stratification)
• Flowering: April and May
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: partial shade or shade

When to sow Wild Garlic (Ramsons)

Wild Garlic (Ramsons) seeds are sown in April and May. The plants flower in April and May. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Wild Garlic (Ramsons)

• Sowing method: direct (cold stratification)
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 10–15 cm
• Germination: from a few weeks to a year
• Position: partial shade or shade

Sow seeds in autumn for reliable germination in spring. Alternatively, leave in the cold for 90 days, then sow outdoors in cool, moist shade. Long-term and ongoing germination is typical, so the planting area should be well cleared and mulched to limit weeds.

Sow in autumn in a shady, moist spot — the seeds need winter cold to germinate.

Harvest and use

The leaves are picked in March–April from the second–third year.

Frequently asked questions

When should Wild Garlic (Ramsons) be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct (cold stratification).

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 51–69 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why don’t ramsons seeds come up in spring?

They need cold stratification — sow them in autumn; they often only come up in the second spring.