Alliaria petiolata
Garlic mustard
Common names: Garlic weed, Garlic hedgehog
Photo: O. Pichard · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Alliaria petiolata is a biennial herb in the Brassicaceae family that grows along forest edges, hedges, and in partially shaded garden corners. When a leaf is crushed, it releases a strong garlic aroma, which is the basis for its culinary use. In the first year it forms a flat rosette of leaves; in the second year it produces a flowering stem bearing small white flowers and then self‑seeds.
Care instructions
Sow in a partially shaded spot; the plant will often self‑seed. In the first year it only forms a leaf rosette, flowering occurs in the second year. The soil should be humus‑rich and slightly moist; water during dry periods, especially in the first year. It tolerates cold well and does not need winter protection. Harvest young leaves before flowering for the mildest flavor, suitable for pesto or salads. Leave some plants to self‑seed for natural succession.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
humus-rich, moist, nutrient-rich, lime-loving
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
legume family (Fabaceae)
particularly well establishedLeguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
carrot family (Apiaceae)
You can pair celery and dill with all Brassicaceae because they repel the cabbage whitefly with their scent, a proven companion.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: Bio-Gärtnerei Mixed-culture Practice
mint family (Lamiaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example LavenderThymeBasilRosemarySageHyssop and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae)
Nasturtium serves as a trap plant for you. Aphids and cabbage whiteflies prefer it over the brassicaceae next to it.
For example Tropaeolum majusMashua
Source: Trap plant practice in organic horticulture
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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