How long does it take garlic to sprout? Depending on the cultivar and the local climate, cloves may start to emerge through the mulch in 4–8 weeks.
No need to worry. The plants can withstand a small amount of frost or a brief freeze and still withstand the weather.
SUMMARY
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE GARLIC TO SPROUT?
Cloves can sprout through the mulch in 4–8 weeks, depending on the variety and climatic conditions in your area. Don’t be alarmed. The plants can withstand a mild frost or a light freeze and still survive.
Rarely are seeds for this main food grown. Instead, a few flavorful garlic bulbs are saved from the crop and planted again and again.
Read also: WHY DIDN’T MY GARLIC CLOVES SPROUT – HERE IS THE REASON
Garlic should be planted in the fall, often between September 15 and November 30, following the season’s first light frost.
Bulbs should be kept whole until just before planting. Plant the largest, healthiest-looking cloves, spaced 6 to 8 inches apart, with the basal plate—the place where the cloves join the bulb—down and the pointed shoot-end up. Add a 6-inch layer of mulch on top of the 2 inches of soil.
PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS
For garlic plants to produce bulbs, they must be vernalized (overwintered). Mulch helps prevent weeds, retains moisture, and gives nutrients as it decomposes; do not remove it in the spring.
As soon as the first garlic shoots appear in the early spring, provide consistent soil moisture by providing 1 inch of water each week for the duration of the growing season.
Weeds do not compete well with garlic, so early weed treatment will assure a plentiful harvest.
The curly flower stems known as scapes frequently appear as the garlic ages. Once they reach 10 inches in length, cut or break them off, saving the edible portions.
WHEN TO HARVEST AND HOW TO HARVEST GARLIC
Harvest after 3 or 4 leaves have withered back and there are still 5 or 6 green leaves on the plant—usually in June or July, depending on the year and climate. If you wait too long, the bulbs will divide in the ground.
Loosen the earth with a shovel or pitchfork, then carefully dig the garlic. Pulling the stalk will cause it to detach from the bulb. Brush the majority of the dirt away gently.
Tie plants together into a bundle of 6-8 plants and hang them in a well-ventilated, shaded shed or garage. Allow the plants to hang for 4-6 weeks to allow the bulbs to cure.
STORING OF GARLIC
Trim the roots and shoots to about 12 inches from the bulb after thoroughly drying. Keep it in net bags.
For optimal storage, hang in an area with 45-55 percent humidity and a temperature of 50-70 degrees F.Save your best bulbs for replanting.
GARLIC PRESERVATION
Garlic is propagated vegetatively rather than through seeds. Keep garlic bulbs intact for no more than 1-2 days before replanting, then simply peel apart garlic bulbs and plant individual cloves as indicated above.
If the scapes are not removed from the plants, some garlic kinds will produce seeds. These seeds will not be true to type.
