Growing garlic is a journey filled with discovery and satisfaction. For any gardener, whether you’re a beginner or have years of experience, understanding the different phases of garlic growth is essential for a successful harvest.
Imagine planting tiny cloves in the fall and waiting through the months as they transform into robust bulbs, each step bringing its own unique challenges and rewards.
From the early stages of root and shoot development to the excitement of seeing the lower leaves turn brown, signaling harvest time, growing garlic offers a comprehensive look at nature’s cycle.
Not only does garlic add a delicious flavor to your favorite dishes, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that boost your health. Plus, growing your own garlic can be a fun way to dive into gardening and enjoy the full spectrum of flavors fresh from your garden.
6 Garlic Growing Stages
Growing garlic involves several key stages. Each stage is crucial for healthy bulbs. Knowing these stages helps ensure a good harvest. With the right care, you can grow great garlic.
1. Germination
Growing garlic starts with germination. In spring or fall, you plant garlic cloves in the soil. Each clove acts as a seed and gets settled in the ground. During the cold winter months, the roots begin developing. This process creates a strong foundation for the plants.
In spring, the shoots appear and start to develop quickly. Garlic needs a period of vernalization to help the cloves split into more cloves. Spring-sown garlic can grow well in different climates, including northern areas.
Some varieties, like Early Purple Wight and Cristo, can be planted in both spring and fall. They mature in May and bring a delicious flavor to your dishes.
Watching garlic germinate is exciting, as tiny green shoots start to peek from the soil. The roots grow first, preparing the plant to develop fully. This early growth stage is essential for a successful garlic crop.
2. Green Garlic/Spring Garlic
Green garlic, also called spring garlic, is a unique part of the garlic plant. It grows from young bulbs in early spring, with tall green shoots and pale skin. Unlike mature garlic, green garlic is harvested before the bulbs fully form.
This stage has a fresh garlic taste and can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. Green garlic is consumed fresh and has a flavor similar to spring onions. The leaves and greens are tender and can be used in cooking.
It can also be stored cool for a short time. As the plants mature, the dark underground bulbs become cured mature bulbs with white skin. Fresh or dried, garlic in this stage can be used the same way as regular garlic cloves and adds a fresh flavor to dishes.
3. Scapes
Garlic plants go through stages, and in the spring, they produce scapes. These curly flower stalks appear on hardneck varieties and are easily recognizable with their slender, sturdy stems and pointed buds. Early on, they are closed but will open to show spherical allium flowers called bulbils.
Growers often remove scapes to help the garlic bulb grow bigger because scapes can divert energy needed for the bulb’s development. Typically, each leaf on the stalk shows the growth of one clove beneath the soil.
Removing scapes can be a bonus harvest with a delicious taste. Indoor growers also trim scapes for better bulb development. The garlic head will be ready for harvest approximately one month after the scapes appear.
4. Young Bulbs
In the spring growing season, you can plant garlic. The young garlic will begin to develop underground. As it grows, it sends up green leaves and stems. These young bulbs are known for their mild flavor compared to mature garlic. They have a juicy flavor and crisp texture.
When early harvest comes, you can trim the stems and roots of the young bulbs. These fresh garlic bulbs have moist, leathery skin and are perfect for consuming fresh. They have a less strong flavor but are still delicious.
During this immature stage, the papery outer layers of the bulbs are thin, and the garlic is not fully mature. However, it can be used in cooking for a more delicate taste. You can also store these young bulbs in a cool place or freeze them for later use. Enjoy the spring garlic and its tender, flavorful cloves!
5. Mature Bulbs
When garlic bulbs reach their mature stage, you’ll notice several changes. The leaves start to turn yellow and the stalks become dry and brittle. This is a clear sign that the garlic is ready to be harvested. At this time, the bulbs will have a papery skin that can be white, pink, or even purple.
To check the maturity, growers often sneak a peek at the heads to see if the cloves are well-formed. This stage is crucial because it determines the flavor and edibility of the garlic. Once harvested, the garlic should be immediately placed in a ventilated area, preferably on a rack, to dry. This process helps maintain its strong flavor and ensures it can be stored for a longer time.
Proper storage in a cool, dry place is essential to keep the garlic fresh. This way, the bulbs can be used in various dishes, adding a rich flavor. Mature bulbs are a rewarding part of the garlic growing cycle, showcasing the effort and care put into their cultivation.
6. Flowering Stage
In the flowering stage, small buds form on the stalks in the second year, pointing upwards. These buds burst into tiny flowers with a pleasant garlicky aroma, usually white or pink. This stage is crucial for producing seeds for more plants, but it can be time-consuming.
Unfortunately, you must wait for the bulbs to become harvestable. Removing the scapes (flower stalks) helps the bulbs grow bigger.
You will get a good yield of disease-free garlic bulbs each year with patience and good methods. Remember to care for your garlic throughout the growing cycle.
Growing Garlic Tips and Tricks
Growing garlic can be simple and rewarding if you know the right steps. Here are some easy tips and tricks to help you grow your own garlic at home.
- Choosing the Right Spot
Pick a sunny spot in your garden where the garlic will get at least six hours of sunlight each day. Make sure the soil is loose and well-drained so the garlic can grow well.
- Preparing the Soil
Before planting, prepare the soil by adding compost or organic matter. This will make the soil rich in nutrients. Break up any large clumps of dirt and remove stones to help the garlic grow strong roots.
- Planting the Garlic
Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves, but don’t peel them. Plant each clove about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. Cover the cloves with soil and water lightly.
- Watering and Care
Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. Water the garlic regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds away.
- Watching for Growth
Over time, green shoots will start to appear. These are the garlic leaves. Keep an eye on them and continue to care for your garlic as it grows.
- Harvesting the Garlic
When the leaves begin to turn yellow and start to fall over, it’s time to harvest. Carefully dig up the garlic bulbs, being gentle so you don’t damage them. Let the bulbs dry in a cool, airy place for a few weeks.
- Storing Your Garlic
Once the garlic is dry, brush off any dirt and trim the roots. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place. Properly stored garlic can last for several months.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy your own home-grown garlic!
FAQ’s
Q: How Long Does Garlic Take to Grow?
A: Growing garlic takes about 9 months from seed to harvest. Once you plant the cloves in the ground, it’s mostly about waiting and being patient, as garlic is easier to grow than tomatoes. Just give it some space in your garden, and enjoy the process.
Q: What Does Garlic Look Like While Growing?
A: Garlic starts with flat, grass-like leaves called scapes that appear above ground, while below, a firm bulb containing 4 to 20 cloves forms, encased in a papery exterior. Garlic is typically planted in the fall, about a month before the first frost.
Q: How Often Should I Water Garlic?
A: Water garlic deeply but infrequently, aiming for a half-inch to one inch of water per week. If rains provide less, use supplemental water to make up the difference. Ensure ideal soil drainage for the best growth.
Q: At What Temperature Does Garlic Stop Growing?
A: Garlic stops growing when soil temperatures reach 90°F. For the best growth, keep the soil cool between 60°F and 90°F. Plant in cool weather to ensure the largest bulbs and a successful harvest.
Q: What Are the Signs of Maturity of Garlic?
A: When garlic is ready, the cloves will start springing apart, showing air spaces between the stems and cloves. Check every week by viewing the bulbs. If the cloves form a single mass, it’s too early. If they’ve differentiated, it’s ready. If they’re falling apart, you’re late.
Conclusion
Growing garlic involves planting garlic cloves in the fall, watching for scapes in spring, and harvesting bulbs in the summer. By caring for the plants through watering, cutting scapes, and fertilizing, you can enjoy a successful harvest. Proper curing and storage ensure the garlic stays flavorful and lasts longer. With adequate attention, growing garlic can be a rewarding and fruitful experience.
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