How to Grow Society Garlic
iNaturalist
Society Garlic
Tulbaghia violacea
herbSociety garlic is a tender perennial herb native to South Africa, prized for its garlic-flavored foliage and delicate purple-pink flowers. Despite its name, it is not a true garlic but belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and offers a milder, more refined garlic flavor. The plant is ornamental and edible, making it a dual-purpose addition to gardens.
When should you plant Society Garlic in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Society Garlic timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Society Garlic
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Society Garlic
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Society Garlic dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown in containers indoors in colder climates
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall thin green shoots emerging from soil with narrow grass-like leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops clumps of thin, tubular green leaves reaching 12-18 inches tall
Water moderately; allow some drying between waterings. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Remove any dead leaves.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (spring through summer)Delicate purple-pink star-shaped flowers appear on thin stems above the foliage
Continue regular watering and feeding. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Flowers are edible and ornamental.
Mature Plant
Perennial; year-round with proper careFull clump with multiple foliage shoots and continuous flower production, reaching 18-24 inches
Maintain moderate watering. Fertilize monthly during growing season. In cold climates, bring containers indoors before first frost.
Dormancy/Winter
2-4 months (winter)Plant slows growth; foliage may yellow or brown in cold climates; minimal flowering
Reduce watering significantly. Stop fertilizing. In zones 9-10, provide mulch protection. Prune dead foliage in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; apply neem oil or horticultural oil
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Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations
Uses
Garlic-flavored seasoning
CulinaryUse fresh leaves as a milder garlic substitute in salads, soups, stir-fries, and cooked dishes. The flavor is more delicate than true garlic, making it ideal for dishes where subtle garlic notes are desired. [source]
Edible flowers
CulinaryThe purple-pink flowers are edible with a mild onion-garlic flavor and make beautiful garnishes for salads, platters, and plated dishes. [source]
Ornamental plant
HouseholdSociety garlic is valued as an attractive houseplant and garden specimen for its graceful foliage and continuous delicate flowers, thriving indoors in containers with good light. [source]
Culinary medicine
MedicinalLike other Allium species, society garlic contains sulfur compounds and may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties when consumed regularly as a food. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe delicate pink-purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making society garlic valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves year-round by pinching or cutting individual stems from the outer edges of the clump, starting when plant is 4-6 inches tall. Best flavor when young. Flowers can be harvested anytime they appear and used as edible garnish. For maximum yield, harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its name, society garlic is not a true garlic (Allium sativum) but rather belongs to the genus Tulbaghia, making it a distant relative that earned its common name from its similar flavor profile
- 🌱 The plant was traditionally used in South African folk medicine and is becoming increasingly popular in modern ornamental gardening due to its dual purpose as both decorative and edible
- 🌱 Society garlic is often called 'Pink Agapanthus' or 'Fragrant Garlic' in horticulture, and its flowers attract pollinators while providing a continuous supply of edible foliage throughout the growing season
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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