How to Grow Great Garlic: Expert Tips for a Blue-Ribbon Crop

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Softneck garlic varieties can be grown successfully in most any climate. Their flexible “necks” make them ideal for braiding and storing.
Softneck garlic varieties can be grown successfully in most any climate. Their flexible “necks” make them ideal for braiding and storing.
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Plant individual garlic cloves in fall, pointed end up, at least 10 inches apart in rows 1 foot apart.
Plant individual garlic cloves in fall, pointed end up, at least 10 inches apart in rows 1 foot apart.
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After harvest, dry garlic for about three weeks in a shady spot to allow the bulbs to cure.
After harvest, dry garlic for about three weeks in a shady spot to allow the bulbs to cure.
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A garlic plant's roots can spread as much as 6 inches underground.
A garlic plant's roots can spread as much as 6 inches underground.
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Roberta Bailey shows off a spectacular braid of prize-winning ‘Georgian Fire’ garlic.
Roberta Bailey shows off a spectacular braid of prize-winning ‘Georgian Fire’ garlic.

If I could grow only one crop, it would be garlic: pungent, mouthwatering, plump-cloved, health-promoting garlic. Over the years, I have learned some tricks on how to grow garlic that’s truly exceptional. Before you dig in, you need to know the basic types to choose from. Garlic (Allium sativum) is divided into two subspecies: var. ophioscorodon and var. sativum.

Most often planted in climates with cold winters, ophioscorodon garlic is called “top-setting,” “ophio” or “hardneck” garlic; the family includes Rocambole, Continental and Asiatic types. Leaves grow from a hard, central stalk, and then an edible scape (flower head) forms, with tiny buds called “bulbils.” Most hardneck varieties form four to eight cloves around the central stalk’s base. Their flavor tends to be pungent, but often has subtle notes.

The sativum varieties do well in all climates. Called “softneck” or “artichoke” garlic, heads tend to be large, with 12 to 20 small cloves and no central stalk. Leaves, which sprout directly from each clove, are quite flexible and best for braiding. Generally, softneck garlic can be either pungent or mild, but lacks subtlety.

What to Do This Fall

For the biggest heads, always plant individual garlic cloves in fall. Each clove will form a new bulb by the next summer. Garlic thrives on spring and summer sun and moderately cool nights — it needs heat to form its bulb. Choose a site with deep soil rich in organic matter. Soil that has been built up with cover crops the previous year is ideal.

  • Published on Jul 30, 2015
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