Allium neapolitanum: care, origin, pests and diseases

white garlic on wooden board

white colored garlic on top of wooden board

These plants have been part of human culture for centuries. These are within the family of amaryllidaceae y has 1250 species scattered throughout the world.

Garlic, onion, chives or chives, garlic joint (whose scientific name is Neapolitan garlic) and hundreds of other varieties with the characteristic smell and the particular flavor, used in many of the culinary dishes typical of the Mediterranean region.

Features

shrub with small white flowers

shrub with small white flowers

Definitely the Neapolitan garlic It is a fundamental part of diets, although culturally they have also served to keep out vibrations that are not in harmony and other popular beliefs. In addition, it must be said that this plant really has extraordinary medicinal qualities.

It is an honor to have such a noble member of the plant world in the wild flora and in any of its presentations. It performs a great protective function in orchards and gardens, as it removes the smell of pests or insects, standing out for its beauty and pleasant smell.

The Neapolitan garlic It is one of the more than 1000 species of the genus existing on the planet of the Amaryllidaceae family and the common name by which it is known is garlic joint, white garlic, scallions, spring onion, tears of the Magdalene and eyes of Christ.

In addition to Neapolitan garlicthere are other well-known and commonly used species in the kitchen such as Allium crispum, Allium sativum, Allium schoenoprasum, Allium black, Allium cernuumamong others and are nothing more than the name for common ingredients in the kitchen such as garlic, chives, onion, leeks, etc. They are all named after Garlic which etymologically has the meaning of burning and this perhaps because refers to the characteristic strong smell of the plant. The plant was also known to the Romans and it is believed that the origin of its name actually comes from Celtic.

Garlic is the scientific name for it y Neapolitan refers to the region of its origin or where it is most cultivated or its use is popular. It is also considered a fact within its etymology according to other authors, that the name comes from the Greek word aglidion and whose meaning is to avoid or fleesince its smell was considered disgusting.

It was Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656-1708), a French naturalist, one of the first to use the name of Garlic to reflect the name of the plant in his botanical studies. Its culinary use is quite extensive due to its characteristic flavor and ornamental versatility and its flavor and properties are ideal for culinary usealso counting on some medicinal benefits.

The cupcake tears or garlic joint They are small perennial bulbous plants that grow to a maximum of 30 inches tall. The leaves are long and delicate of a bright green color and are usually two or three. In the terminals of the leaves small white flowers grow that bloom between late winter and early spring.

wooden box full of white garlic

wooden box full of white colored garlic

The bulb of the plant is surrounded by bulbilos that are generally greyish yellow in color. All the species of the genus have sulfur compounds which are derivatives of allyl sulfide.

When this is cut, the enzyme of alliin is converted into allinase, which is what gives the fruits of these plants their characteristic odor and properties. Allinase or allicin has antibacterial and antifungal medicinal qualities. In addition, they possibly influence the regulation of cholesterol, blood pressure, fight arteriosclerosis and have antiviral applications.

Some of these plants have more qualities than others, but in general The whole family of these plants shares these qualities to a greater or lesser degree.

Cultivation and care of Neapolitan garlic

These plant species can occur annually or biannually and are most easily grown in temperate zones. Its adaptation can withstand the occasional frostbut thrives best in shady or semi-shady conditions.

They can also be adapted in tropical areas but it is more common to see them in the Mediterranean area. The habitat of this plant is usually in humid and shady terrain such as riverbanks, roadsides, etc., and the cultivation of this type of Allium is not demanding when it comes to soil quality. . However, it is preferable that it contains organic matter and some humus.

It is very resistant to pests and diseases and the best way to multiply them is through the bulbs after flowering. This operation is usually performed in autumn and this advice is valid for all types of Garlic. If they are going to be planted through the seeds, the ideal season to do so is in spring and in a sheltered box. Bulbs can also be planted directly into the ground in large groups and it is not uncommon for planting to progress spontaneously on slightly shaded soils.

Diseases and pests

small-sized white flowers called white garlic

small white flowers called white garlic

Because it is a very resistant plant, it is not very common for it to be attacked by any type of disease or plague, on the contrary, usually keep these types of problems away from crops. However, in a very small percentage and in industrial plantations it can be affected by onion fly, white rot, and mildew.

In the case of industrial plantations, the onion fly is a serious problem that requires special help from chemical pesticides. But if the planting is small, the ideal is simply to sow carrots near this.

Mildew is controlled by removing affected leaves, improving plant ventilation, and removing weeds from the environment. Excess moisture must be removed and as a last resort an extract of horsetail can be applied to the plant. White rot is controlled only by improving ventilation of the plant and lowering the humidity levels.

In general, these types of plants have considerable commercial importance, their crops and product sales are quite widespread, making them highly profitable crops for commercialization.

The cares of this plant are really very few, being beautiful, pleasant and with multiple properties that has been accompanied by gardens and wild vegetation for thousands of years. Its resistance and adaptability guarantee you a space in the plant world for much longer.

Allium neapolitanum: care, origin, pests and diseases

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