Allium ursinum 'Ramsons'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Liliaceae: Bulbous perennial to 35cm, strongly smelling of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, manly on calcareous soils, where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. Flowers 15-20mm across, white, bell-shaped, in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided, leafless stalks, blooming from April-May. Widespread and locally abundant, especially in mature woodlands.

USES:

The leaves are used raw or cooked, and are usually available from late January, the leaves make a very nice addition to salads, and are especially welcome as a vital and fresh green leaf in the middle of winter. The flowers can be used raw or cooked, these are somewhat stronger than the leaves, in small quantities they make a decorative and very tasty addition to salads. The flowering heads can still be eaten as the seed pods are forming, though the flavour gets even stronger as the seeds ripen. The bulb can also be eaten, but they have a very strong garlic flavour, and can be quite small and fiddly to harvest. The bulbs can be harvested at any time the plant is dormant from early summer to early winter, if harvested in early summer, they will store for at least 6 months.

Ramsons has most of the health benefits of the cultivated garlic, A. sativum, though it is weaker in action. It is therefore a very beneficial addition to the diet, promoting the general health of the body when used regularly. It is particularly effective in reducing high blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow in a shady site under deciduous foliage (preferably dark enough to inhibit grass growth in high summer) in late summer or autumn. Plants usually take three years to flower and can become dominant on ideal sites. Although Ramsons are susceptible to drought and require moist soils they are also intolerant of waterlogged conditions.

HARVESTED: 2022*

 

APPROX. 100+ SEEDS