If you're looking to add some flavour to your edible water garden, society garlic, also known as water garlic  is a great option to consider.

This herb is easy to grow in Australia and has a variety of culinary and medicinal uses.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow and care for society garlic in your own backyard.

What is Society Garlic?

Society garlic, also known as Water Garlic, and Tulbaghia violacea, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to South Africa. It is a member of the onion family and has a strong garlic-like flavour and aroma.

The plant produces clusters of pink or purple flowers and can grow up to 60cm tall. Society garlic is a popular herb in Australia due to its ease of cultivation and versatility in the kitchen.

Choosing the Right Location and Variety of Water Garlic.

When it comes to growing society garlic, choosing the right location and soil is crucial for success. Society garlic thrives in  soil that is rich in organic matter. Remember to fertilize!

It also prefers a location that receives full sun or partial shade. Planting is simple, just pop your water garlic plant in the floating ring supplied and allow to float in your pond.

We have two types of water garlic available, Variegated Water Garlic and the non variegated Water Garlic.

Planting Society Water Garlic.

When planting society water garlic, it’s important to choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade. The soil should be  rich in organic matter. Society garlic can be planted into a pond (only to a 1cm depth), with each plant spaced about 30cm apart or kept in its pot with floating ring to sit anywhere in your pond regardless of depth. 

 For best results apply the Pond Plantz Fertilzer monthly between September and March. With proper care, your society garlic plants should thrive and produce fragrant, flavourful leaves and flowers.

Growing Society Garlic in a pond

While society garlic can be grown as a garden herb, it is best grown in a pond. Water Garlic is a relatively new pond plant that originated in South Africa. It can grow up to 30cm in size and features strappy foliage in shades of light green to grey, as well as small purple flowers. This plant thrives in full sun and does best when grown in shallow water that does not submerge its crown. It can be conveniently cultivated in the floating pond ring included with all of our plants.

Harvesting and Using Society Garlic.

Unlike traditional garlic, you do not eat the bulb of your water garlic. Instead, the leaves and flowers are used to flavour meals much the same as you would do with a garlic bulb. Once your society garlic is mature and ready to harvest, you can simply snip what you need from the foliage as required. The leaves and flowers can also be harvested and used in cooking, adding a mild garlic flavor to dishes. Society garlic is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and stir-fries. It can also be used as a substitute for regular garlic in recipes.

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