Nothoscordum gracile - (Dryand.)Stearn.
(Dryand.)Stearn.
Slender false garlic
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kiwialli
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Stanislav Spurny
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Stanislav Spurny
Description
Nothoscordum gracile is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Condiment. Bulb - raw or cooked. A garlic substitute, it is used as a spice. The bulb is about 15mm in diameter.
Distribution
South America. A garden escape in south-eastern N. America and Britain.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: Mexico (Chiapas) SOUTHERN AMERICA: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
Cultivation
Prefers a light sandy soil in a sunny position. This species reproduces freely when in good growing conditions and has become a weed in some gardens. The flowers have a rich, sweet lily-like perfume.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Spring sown seed germinates freely. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring. Division of offsets after the leaves die down in summer. Larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out when dormant in late summer.
