How to Grow and Care for Ramps

Plant Care

Ramps are a bit different from your average garden vegetable; they prefer shade and moist woodland conditions. They need some special attention, but once they are established, they are relatively low maintenance. Understanding their growing conditions is key to growing them successfully.

Light

Ramps prefer partial to full shade and grow naturally beneath the canopy of deciduous trees in the wild. To provide the best of both worlds, plant them where they will be under trees and shrubs that give them that indirect sunlight. Too much sun can burn their leaves and stunt their growth, so it’s crucial to maintain them in a shaded place. 

If you are growing them in a garden, they should be planted in the northern or eastern part of your garden, where they will receive some sun in the morning but be cool and shaded in the afternoon.

Soil

They like to be grown in moist, rich, well-draining soil. Native to North America, ramps like slightly acidic to neutral soil — a pH of about 5.5 to 6.5. Make sure the soil is high in organic matter by mixing with compost or well-rotted manure. Well-draining soil prevents waterlogged conditions that can contribute to root rot. 

Ramps also do best in soil that is kept consistently moist, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells.

Watering

Ramps need a lot of moisture during their growing season, especially in the spring when they are producing leaves and developing. Give them regular water to keep the soil moist when growing, but do not overwater, as bulbs can rot if sitting in water. While deep watering promotes the establishment of healthy roots, be sure that the soil always drains well. In dry periods consider mulching around the plants to retain moisture in the soil.

Pruning

Ramps need very little pruning. You can do this by removing any dried or damaged leaves from the plant to keep it neat. But it’s important to avoid disturbing the foliage once it’s growing, as the leaves play an important role in photosynthesis. If you want to harvest the leaves for cooking, be sure to only take a few leaves from each plant to allow it to continue growing. It’s best to wait until after blooming to harvest to ensure the plant has enough energy to regenerate for the next growing season.

Propagating

Ramps are usually grown from seed or from dividing mature bulbs. Seed propagation is slow and can take years, so most gardeners simply divide mature bulbs.

Seed Propagation:

• Collect seeds after the plants bloom in late spring.
• Ramps germinate very slowly, and may take several months to a year to sprout.
• Pot seeds in well-draining, moist soil and put them in a shady area.
• Transplant the seedlings to their permanent location after they have grown large enough to handle.

Bulb Division:

• Fall or early spring is the best time to divide Ramps.
• Gently dig up mature bulbs and divide them carefully.
• Plant the separate bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart in a shady, moist place.

If you are starting from seed, it may take several years for the plants to mature and become ready for harvest.

Growing in Pots

If you don’t have a woodland garden, it is possible to enjoy Ramps  growing them in containers. Here’s how to do it:

• Select a deep pot — at least 8 inches — with good drainage to help prevent root rot.
• Use wet, well-drained soil mixed with lots of organic matter.
• Keep the pot in a shady area, like a porch or shaded balcony.
• Water regularly to keep soil moist but make sure the pot doesn’t sit in water.

If you live somewhere with a cold winter climate, you may have to bring the pot indoors during winter months.

Overwintering

Ramps are tough little guys that survive in USDA zones 3–7. However, in colder climates, you might need to work harder to protect them during  winter months.

• If you're planting in the ground, mulch heavily around the base of the plants to keep the roots from freezing.
• For Ramps in pots, it is best to place them in a protected area like a garage or shed.

Don’t remove leaves in the fall; they provide winter protection for the bulbs.

Blooming

Ramps are spring bloomers, flowering anywhere from April to May. Their flowers are small, delicate, white clusters of star-like blossoms at the top of the stalk. While the flowers themselves are not as showy as the foliage, they are an important part of the plant’s lifecycle, attracting pollinators like bees and flies. After blooming, the plant will focus its energy on seed production before the leaves die back in late spring or early summer.

Common Issues

Ramps are mainly pest- and disease-free, but there are a couple of things to watch out for:

• Bulb rot → This is the result of overwatering or low-draining soil. Make sure the soil drains well and avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Slugs and snails → These can damage the tender leaves. You can manage them with organic slug bait or by handpicking.
• Overharvesting → As slow-growing plants, ramps should be harvested sustainably. Only harvest a few leaves from each plant to allow it to regenerate.

Summary

Ramp is an extraordinary wild edible, adding a special note to dishes and being a vigorous and hardy plant for gardeners as well. If planted in pots or in a woodland garden, these wild leeks also bring some forest beauty and flavor into your home.

They're easy to take care of and have a delicious culinary value, making them a fabulous addition to any garden that enjoys the forest floor vibe. Just remember to harvest responsibly, and you will enjoy the benefits of this perennial treat for many years.