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Allium sativum 'Arno'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

garlic 'Arno'

Perennial vegetable grown as an annual, the edible, strongly scented, compact bulbs are divided into cloves with long, narrow, flat green leaves on a tall stalk in summer. This variety produces large bulbs with pink cloves contained in a whitish skin

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Allium are bulbous herbaceous perennials with a strong onion or garlic scent, linear, strap-shaped or cylindrical basal leaves and star-shaped or bell-shaped flowers in an umbel on a leafless stem

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but free draining soil in full sun. Also suitable for container growing in a pot which is at least 10cm deep. Grow in a free-draining medium and be careful not to over-water. Harvest bulbs once tops begin to yellow and fall over. See garlic cultivation, and our video Grow your own garlic: planting and choosing varieties, for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by splitting bulbs into individual cloves and planting at double their depth

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free, new growth may suffer from slugs. May be susceptible to allium leaf miner, onion thrips and onion fly

Diseases

May be susceptible to onion rot, downy mildew and rust

Get involved

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