Growing your own garlic is honestly a breeze, and it’s one of those “set it and forget it” crops that doesn’t demand much of your time. Most gardeners are familiar with planting individual cloves, but have you ever wondered if you can actually grow garlic from seeds? Let’s dive into how it works.
The Perfect Spot for Your Garlic
If you’re looking to add garlic to your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding its “home.” Garlic is happiest in loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Pick a sunny, sheltered spot where water won’t pool—garlic hates having “wet feet.” One pro tip: avoid planting it in freshly fertilized soil, as that can lead to rot before the plant even gets started.
Bulbils and Those Pretty Blooms
When a garlic plant reaches about 30 to 40 inches in height, it develops a little cluster called a “false umbel” just below the tip of the stalk. This is where “bulbils” form. You can think of these as tiny aerial clones or “seeds” that can be used for propagation. Eventually, these bulbils might burst open to reveal flowers, though often the plant stops at the bud stage. Here’s the kicker: garlic flowers are almost always sterile, which means true botanical seeds don’t really exist. Those little bulbils are your best bet for “sowing.”
Planting Bulbils in the Fall
Finding bulbils at your local garden center can be a bit of a challenge because they’re usually only available for a short window in the autumn. If you manage to get your hands on some, fall is exactly when you want to get them into the ground. If you plant them then, you’ll be looking at a harvest the following year.
How to Get Your Bulbils in the Ground
Before you start, make sure to loosen up the soil and clear out any pesky weeds. Mixing in some finely sifted compost is a great way to give your tiny garlic plants a nutrient boost. Space your bulbils about 4 to 6 inches apart and plant them roughly half an inch to an inch deep. Give them a gentle watering once they’re tucked in. And hey, if you’re short on yard space, this method works perfectly in containers or balcony planters too!
Don’t Forget Crop Rotation
One golden rule for a healthy garlic patch is paying attention to crop rotation. You should never plant garlic (or any member of the onion family) in the same spot where its relatives just grew. Aim for a break of several years before returning to the same patch. If you skip this step, you’re basically rolling out the red carpet for pests and soil-borne diseases.
