Garlic / Allium sativum, Care Botanical Garden Miami

Check the Complete List of Plants, Trees, Ornamental and Medicinal Plants

Garlic / Allium sativum

Scientific Name: Allium sativum
Common Names: Garlic, Ajo
Family: Amaryllidaceae

🌍 Place of Origin

Originating from Central Asia and northeastern Iran, garlic has been cultivated for over 5,000 years across Egypt, China, India, and the Mediterranean basin.

🪴 Growing Conditions

USDA Growing Zones: 3–10
Soil pH: 6.0–7.5 (well-drained loam, rich in organic matter)
Sunlight: ☀️ Full sun
Water Needs: 💧 Moderate – requires consistent moisture until bulbing begins, then less
Drought Tolerance: ⚠️ Low – prefers evenly moist soil, not dryness
Indoor Potting: 🪴 Possible for garlic greens or very small bulbs in deep pots
Best Use in Landscape:
Ideal for raised beds, edible landscapes, and herbal borders; a powerful companion plant to repel pests

🌺 Uses & Symbolism

Culinary Use: Widely used in global cuisine — raw, roasted, fermented (black garlic), and pickled
Symbolism: Garlic is historically regarded as a protector herb — used to ward off illness, evil spirits, and bad energy in many cultures
Other Uses: Natural insect deterrent in gardens; used in oils and homemade sprays

⚕️ Medicinal Properties & Studies

Traditional Uses: Used to treat infections, respiratory issues, parasites, heart conditions, and general immune support in Ayurvedic, Greek, Roman, and Chinese medicine
Modern Findings:
- Contains allicin, a powerful antimicrobial and immune-boosting compound
- Studies show benefits in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
- Promotes heart health, detoxification, and may have anticancer effects
Pharmacological Actions:
Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antihypertensive, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anticancer potential
Vitamins & Minerals:
Rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese, Selenium, and Sulfur compounds

🐾 Toxicity & Safety

Toxic to Pets: ☠️ Yes – extremely toxic to dogs and cats; can cause anemia and digestive upset
Insecticidal Properties: 🐜 Yes – natural repellent against aphids, mites, and fungal diseases
Pollinators: 🐝 Attracts bees if flowers are allowed to bloom
Other Notes: Garlic has been used topically for warts and fungal infections, but may irritate sensitive skin

Garlic Plant, Allium sativum, Medicinal Herb, Antibacterial Herb, Blood Pressure Herbs, Edible Healing Plants, Heart Health Foods, Pest Repellent Garden Plant, Toxic to Pets, Indoor Herb Growing, Antioxidant Garden Herb

Garlic Plant,
Allium sativum,
Healing Edible Herbs,
Ancient Medicinal Plant,
Herbs for Blood Pressure,
Herbs for Heart Health,
Immune Boosting Herbs,
Natural Antibiotic Plants,
Allicin Rich Herbs,
Companion Plant Garlic,
Herbal Insect Repellents,
Garlic for Cholesterol,
Anticancer Herbs,
Traditional Healing Roots,
Toxic Edibles for Pets,
Indoor Herbs for Small Spaces,
Garlic Sprouts in Pots,
Organic Garden Pest Control,
Kitchen Remedies with Garlic,
Natural Detox Herbs,
Herbal Fungicide Plants,
Vampire Symbol Herb,
Folk Protection Plants,
Ayurvedic and TCM Garlic,
Garlic Oil Remedies

Search This Blog