How Does Garlic Grow? A Visual Guide
How Does Garlic Grow Pictures?
Garlic grows by planting cloves or bulbils.
Cloves should be planted two inches deep with the flat end down, while bulbils take longer to grow into complete bulbs.
Garlic should be planted in the fall, and cutting off the scapes in mid-June helps with bulb growth.
The garlic is harvested when the bottom half of the leaves dry out and turn brown.
After harvesting, the garlic bulbs are dried for a few weeks to prevent rotting.
Key Points:
- Garlic grows by planting cloves or bulbils
- Cloves are planted two inches deep with the flat end down
- Bulbils take longer to grow into complete bulbs
- Garlic should be planted in the fall
- Cutting off the scapes in mid-June helps with bulb growth
- Garlic is harvested when the bottom half of the leaves dry out and turn brown
Did You Know?
1. Garlic is not a vegetable, but rather a member of the Allium family, making it a close relative of onions, leeks, and shallots.
2. Garlic bulbs have a fascinating growth cycle. Each bulb is comprised of several individual cloves, and each clove, when planted, can develop into a fully mature garlic bulb within 6-8 months.
3. In order to grow successfully, garlic plants require a period of cold weather to trigger bulb formation. This process is known as vernalization and typically takes place over a period of 4-6 weeks at temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
4. Garlic plants produce beautiful flower stalks called scapes, which emerge from the central stem. These scapes can be harvested and eaten before they fully flower, providing a delicious and subtly garlicky addition to various dishes.
5. Although most garlic varieties prefer a well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH, a few wild garlic species have evolved to grow successfully in marshy or acidic environments. These adaptions allow them to thrive in unique habitats where other plants struggle to survive.
Introduction: Garlic Growing Made Easy
Garlic, a staple in many cuisines around the world, is not only known for its distinct flavor but also for its ease of cultivation. With just a few simple steps and a little bit of attention, anyone can grow this versatile herb in their own backyard. In this visual guide, we will explore the process of growing garlic, from selecting the right variety to harvesting and drying the bulbs. So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started on a garlic-growing adventure!
Types Of Garlic: Hardneck Vs Softneck
Before delving into the planting process, it’s important to understand the two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck.
Hardneck garlic varieties are known for their rigid stalks that curl at the top. These varieties typically produce 5-7 large cloves and, interestingly, also grow a seedpod head called a bulbil or scape.
On the other hand, softneck garlic varieties are better suited for warm climates and have a milder flavor. While they do not have a rigid stalk or grow scapes, each bulb of softneck garlic contains about 12 cloves.
- Hardneck garlic:
- Rigid stalks
- 5-7 large cloves
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Seedpod head called a bulbil or scape
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Softneck garlic:
- Better suited for warm climates
- Milder flavor
- About 12 cloves per bulb
Planting Garlic: Cloves Vs Bulbils
There are two primary methods for planting garlic: using cloves or bulbils.
- When planting cloves, make sure to plant them with the flat end down and the pointed side facing up.
- The cloves should be buried about two inches deep with a spacing of approximately six inches.
- On the other hand, if you are planting hardneck garlic, you can also plant bulbils from the scape.
- However, it’s worth noting that using bulbils may result in a longer wait for a complete bulb to grow.
One interesting aspect of garlic cultivation is that there is no need to start the process indoors on a windowsill. Garlic can be directly planted in the ground, making it an easy and accessible option for all gardeners.
Care And Harvesting Tips For Growing Garlic
To ensure the successful growth of garlic, here are some important care tips to keep in mind:
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Plant garlic in the fall: This allows the cloves to establish roots, go dormant during the winter, and resume growth in the spring.
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Remove scapes in mid-June: Scapes are the flowering stalks that emerge from hardneck garlic. By removing them, the plant can direct more energy towards bulb growth, resulting in larger and more flavorful cloves.
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Leave bulbils on the plant for continuous supply: For those who want a steady harvest throughout the year, leaving the bulbils on the plant can provide a continuous supply of garlic with minimal effort. These bulbils resemble small, round cloves and have a milder flavor. They can be stored in a brown paper bag until needed.
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Harvesting garlic: When harvesting garlic, it’s best to start when the bottom half of the leaves begins to dry out and turn brown. Carefully dig up the bulbs, being mindful not to damage them. After harvesting, clean the bulbs and check for any signs of insect damage.
Remember these tips to grow healthy and flavorful garlic!
The Process: From Planting To Drying Garlic
The garlic showcased in this article is grown in a kitchen garden located on an off-grid home on the picturesque island of Moen in Denmark. After carefully harvesting the garlic in early July, the bulbs are transported to the kitchen for further processing. Firstly, the bulbs undergo a cleaning process to remove any excess dirt or debris.
To prevent rotting, the garlic bulbs are left to dry for a few weeks. This allows the outer layers of the bulbs to become dry and papery, enhancing their shelf life. Once the drying process is complete, the garlic can be stored for personal use or even sold. The entire process of growing and harvesting garlic is not only rewarding but also allows individuals to enjoy the flavorful benefits of homegrown produce.
Growing garlic is a relatively simple endeavor that requires a bit of knowledge and care. By understanding the different types of garlic and choosing the appropriate method for planting, anyone can enjoy the satisfaction of a successful garlic harvest. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing garlic in your own backyard provides a rewarding and flavorful experience. So, why not embark on a garlic-growing adventure and savor the taste of freshly harvested garlic in your culinary creations?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does garlic look like when it starts growing?
When garlic starts growing, it initially appears as a solitary clove attached to the stem during its first growth season. However, upon patiently waiting for the next season, you will witness the emergence of a small bulb. To truly reap the rewards of garlic cultivation, one must exercise further patience and wait for a third season, as this is when a complete and fully-developed bulb will proudly present itself.
What are the growth stages of garlic?
The growth stages of garlic begin with germination, where the cloves sprout roots and shoots, signaling the start of growth. This is followed by the green garlic stage, where the plant develops green leaves and stalks, often used as a substitute for scallions. Next, the garlic plant produces scapes, which are curly flower stalks emerging from the center. These can be harvested and used in various culinary applications. As the plant continues to mature, it forms young bulbs, which are smaller and less developed than the final product. Finally, after a certain period of growth, the garlic reaches maturity, developing fully-formed bulbs that are ready for harvest. At this stage, it may also enter the flowering stage, where it produces beautiful, usually white, flowers.
Why does garlic take so long to grow?
The lengthy growth process of garlic can be attributed to the multi-step development it undergoes. Firstly, garlic seeds need time to germinate and establish roots before they can start growing the green foliage required for photosynthesis. Following this, the plant then invests additional time in the formation of bulbs, which involves the accumulation of nutrients and the development of multiple cloves. Consequently, the extended duration for the complete growth cycle of garlic is necessary to ensure the plant reaches its full potential and produces a bountiful harvest.
Where does garlic grow most?
Garlic, a pungent and flavorful bulb, finds its stronghold in the fertile lands of China, where it thrives under ideal conditions. With an impressive 73.8% share of global production, China reigns as the unrivaled leader in garlic cultivation. However, it is worth mentioning that other countries also contribute significantly to the garlic market. India, for instance, stands as the second-largest garlic producer, accounting for 10.4% of global production, followed by Bangladesh, South Korea, and Egypt, each making noteworthy contributions to the world’s garlic supply. Yet, it is in the vast fields of China where garlic enjoys its most abundant growth, adding its distinct flavor to cuisines worldwide.