How to Care for Variegated Society Garlic

Plant variegated society garlic in a moist but well-drained soil. A sandy loam is ideal, especially if organic matter is incorporated into it before planting. Although tolerant of bright, indirect light, in shade, the plant will not flower. Any site that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily is better.

Water the soil freely, supplementing natural rainfall, when the plant is actively growing during the warmth from spring to fall. Once in bloom, reduce watering slightly, but still maintain a slightly moist soil. Society garlic will tolerate and survive a drought during the growing season, but it will not look as attractive or bloom well. Reduce watering from midfall to early spring so the soil remains slightly dry. Wet soil during the semidormant cool months causes root rot and fungal diseases.

Mulch the soil around the variegated society garlic clump with 1 inch of compost. This diminishes weeds, shades the soil in the hot summer sun and decomposes to provide nutrients to the roots. Alternatively, scatter granules of slow-release fertilizer -- such as 10-10-10 -- around the plants in early spring and in midsummer. Do not fertilize from fall to spring.

Trim off dead leaves and spent flower stems across the year with scissors. Bypass pruners also work, but the thin, soft leaves and stems do not require heavy-duty cutting blades.

Dig up society garlic clumps to relocate or divide for propagation any time they are actively growing from spring to fall. Avoid transplanting them when in heavy bloom. In long, hot summer areas, it's better to dig or divide society garlic plants either in early spring or early fall.