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Honey Garlic

Nectaroscordum siculum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis)
Also in this family:
African Lily, Babington's Leek, Broad-leaved Leek, Crow Garlic, Cyclamen Daffodil, Few-flowered Garlic, Field Garlic, Garlic, Greater Snowdrop, Green Snowdrop, Hairy Garlic, Hoop-petticoat Daffodil, Keeled Garlic, Leek Lily, Neopolitan Garlic, Onion, Pleated Snowdrop, Poet's Daffodil, Queen Olga's Snowdrop, Rosy Garlic, Round-headed Leek, Sand Leek, Sea Daffodil, Spring Snowflake, Spring Starflower, Summer Snowflake, Tenby Daffodil, Three-cornered Garlic, Wild Daffodil
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, meadows, roadsides, rocky places, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 6 petals
 
A large terminal cluster of long-stalked, green flushed pink, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are drooping and without bulbils.
Fruit:
The fruit is a capsule.
Leaves:
A bulbous perennial with narrow, linear, 3-angled, basal leaves. Garden escape species.
Aroma:
Strongly fragrant flowers. Garlic-smelling.
Other Names:
Honey Lily, Mediterranean Bells, Sicilian Honey Garlic, Sicilian Honey Lily.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Nectaroscordum siculum, commonly known as Sicilian honey garlic, is a species of bulbous perennial plant in the family Alliaceae. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia and it is known for its large, drooping clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are usually a combination of cream, green, and dark purple. The plant produces a strong garlic smell when the foliage is bruised or crushed.

It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and unusual foliage. Some people may also use the bulbs, leaves, and flowers for culinary purposes. It is considered to be hardy in USDA zones 5-9, and it can be found in gardens, meadows, and rocky hills. It is also a popular choice among the wildflower gardens due to its unique appearance and its unique smell.

Blog

Honey garlic, scientifically known as Nectaroscordum siculum, is a unique and fascinating plant that belongs to the allium family. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, and it has been cultivated for both its medicinal and culinary uses for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of honey garlic and how you can incorporate this plant into your diet and daily life.

Appearance and Characteristics

Honey garlic is a bulbous perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has long, narrow leaves that are blue-green in color and can grow up to 30 cm in length. The flowers of honey garlic are pendulous, and they are borne on tall, slender stems. The flowers are typically white or pale pink in color and have a distinct, sweet fragrance. The bulbs of honey garlic are also edible, and they have a mild, sweet taste that is similar to garlic.

Benefits of Honey Garlic

Honey garlic is a nutrient-dense plant that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some of the many benefits of consuming honey garlic:

  1. Boosts Immunity: Honey garlic contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and protect the body against diseases and infections.

  2. Promotes Heart Health: Honey garlic has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels, which can help prevent heart disease.

  3. Supports Digestive Health: Honey garlic has natural antibacterial properties, which can help improve digestion and prevent stomach infections.

  4. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Honey garlic contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is important for preventing chronic diseases such as arthritis and cancer.

Culinary Uses of Honey Garlic

Honey garlic is a versatile plant that can be used in many different culinary applications. Here are some ways that you can incorporate honey garlic into your diet:

  1. Roasted: Roasting honey garlic bulbs is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness. Simply toss the bulbs in olive oil and roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelized.

  2. Pickled: Honey garlic bulbs can also be pickled and used as a condiment or garnish. They can be pickled using a simple vinegar and sugar brine.

  3. Sautéed: Honey garlic leaves can be sautéed and used as a flavorful addition to stir-fries, soups, and stews.

  4. Raw: Honey garlic leaves can also be used raw in salads and sandwiches for a mild, sweet garlic flavor.

In conclusion, honey garlic is a delicious and nutritious plant that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Its unique flavor and health benefits make it an excellent addition to any diet, and its ease of cultivation makes it a great choice for beginner gardeners. Whether you are looking to boost your immune system, improve your heart health, or simply add some flavor to your meals, honey garlic is a great choice.

Blog continued...

In addition to its culinary and medicinal benefits, honey garlic also has a variety of other uses. Here are some other ways that you can use honey garlic in your daily life:

  1. Insect Repellent: Honey garlic has natural insect-repellent properties, which make it a great choice for keeping bugs away. You can crush honey garlic leaves and rub them on your skin to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

  2. Natural Dye: Honey garlic bulbs can be used to create a natural dye that produces a soft, golden-brown color. Simply simmer the bulbs in water for several hours to extract the color, and then use the liquid to dye fabric or yarn.

  3. Garden Pest Control: Honey garlic can also be used to control pests in the garden. Planting honey garlic bulbs in between other plants can help repel pests and protect your garden from damage.

  4. Aromatherapy: Honey garlic has a sweet, floral fragrance that can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Simply crush honey garlic leaves and place them in a sachet or diffuser to enjoy the scent.

In conclusion, honey garlic is a versatile and useful plant that has many benefits for both the body and the environment. Whether you are looking to improve your health, add some flavor to your meals, or protect your garden from pests, honey garlic is a great choice. So why not give it a try and see how this amazing plant can enhance your life?

Growing Tips

While honey garlic is a relatively easy plant to grow, it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for growing and caring for honey garlic:

  1. Soil and Sunlight: Honey garlic prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

  2. Watering: Honey garlic does not require a lot of water, but it does need to be kept moist during the growing season. Water the plant once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

  3. Fertilizer: Honey garlic does not need a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

  4. Harvesting: Honey garlic bulbs should be harvested in the late summer or early fall, once the leaves have turned yellow and died back. Carefully dig up the bulbs and allow them to dry in a cool, dry place for several weeks before storing them.

  5. Propagation: Honey garlic can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the fall or by planting the seeds in the spring. To divide the bulbs, carefully separate the individual bulbs and plant them at the same depth as the original bulb.

In conclusion, honey garlic is a versatile and beneficial plant that is relatively easy to grow and care for. Whether you are looking to improve your health, add some flavor to your meals, or enhance your garden, honey garlic is a great choice. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy the many benefits of this amazing plant for years to come.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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