Our July 2 Herbs & Heirlooms Tuesday presentation will be featuring the culinary herb garlic.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a Missouri Botanical Garden “tried-and-true” plant. These plants are selected by area plant experts for their ability to perform well year-after-year for many years.

Garlic, a member of the onion family, is usually planted in herb and vegetable gardens because its segmented bulbs are commonly used in cooking. It will bloom from June to July, with pinkish-white flowers, and should be harvested after the leaves turn brown and begin to fall over in late summer.

This herb is a great addition to any garden. The fragrant plant with showy flowers attracts butterflies, while staying immune to any serious insect or disease problem. Garlic requires full sun in medium moisture, organically rich, and well-drained soils and is a low maintenance plant. If you are looking for a new herb to add to your garden, look no further than garlic!