Nectaroscordum siculum subsp. bulgaricum ​- Bulgarian Honey Garlic - 5 bulbs -  €9

We are very excited to be offering this plant, as we have been enjoying its leaves for years in their dry form and prepared as "Samardala", a tasty Bulgarian seasoning. This is prepared by harvesting the potent leaves of the plant, chopping them finely,  massaging them in sea salt and leaving them to dry. Once dried, this mixture can be stored and used in cooking as a unique, distinctly Allium flavouring.   This plant is long lasting, self seeding and a beautiful edition to the ecological garden.  Its flowers are strikingly attractive and many useful pollinating insects tend to agree. It succeeds in most soil types, but prefers well drained soil and partial shade. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Eurasia
  • native habitat: Damp wood and fields among rocks.
  • family: Alliaceae

Predators

  • We have not come across any pest or predation for this plant in our garden 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun, partial shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • Hardiness Zone: 5
  • Prefers moist, well drained soil
  • Water when dry in summer 

Known hazards 



  • Avoided by grazing animals, because of its acrid, garlicky smell and presumably bad taste.

Overview

  • Bulbous perennial growing to 1.2m by 30 cm. 
  • Hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. 
  • In flower from April to May and the seeds ripen from May to June 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees and other insects.
  • The plant is self-fertile. 
  • Noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • Can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Bulbous perennial 
  • layer : Ground Layer
  • habit: Clumping bulbous plant, spreading  
  • height x width (m): 1.2 x 0.3

Products 


  • Leaves: Have a strong taste, especially if they're fresh and can be cut in small pieces and added to salads. They are much more pungent than onions. They are especially delicious dried, as in the infamous Bulgarian seasoning "Samardala". 
  • Flowers: Beautiful and delicate umbrella shaped bunches of green-tinged cream flowers with purple markings. Highly ornamental.
  • Seeds: Erect seed pods follow the flowers and seem to shift position toward vertical as they mature.

Functions, behaviours

  • Bulbous growth spreading if undisturbed 
  • Will self seed if left, so remove deadhead the seed pods if new plants are not desired in that location.
  • Beautiful flowers in spring
  • Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project