Garlic originated in central Asia and was being cultivated in Mesopotamia as early as the 4000 BCE. It made appearances in the tombs of pharaohs and was included in the medicinal collections of ancient Chinese healers. Over time, garlic became renowned for its ability to boost stamina in Roman soldiers, and ward off vampires in medieval Europe. Today, it is a beloved staple around the world, celebrated for its distinctive flavor.
THE BIG DIG ON GARLIC
| ◆ NAME: Garlic (Allium sativum), also known as the “stink rose.” This bulbous flowering plant is popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. |
| ◆ SUNLIGHT NEEDS: Minimum of six hours a day |
| ◆ SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Well draining, loose soil. Read more about soil for garlic HERE. |
| ◆ LIFE CYCLE: Perennial, though most harvest garlic as an annual. Read more about growing garlic as a perennial HERE. |
| ◆ PLANTING: Plant garlic by placing a garlic clove, pointed end up, in loamy, well-drained soil. Read more about when to plant, how deep to plant, and how far apart to plant garlic HERE. |
| ◆ GERMINATION: 4 to 8 weeks from clove |
| ◆ GROWTH & SIZE: Plants grow 12 to 24 inches tall and are anywhere from 6 to 8 inches wide |
| ◆ WATERING NEEDS: Garlic needs approximately 1 inch of water a week. Learn about watering garlic through its growth stages HERE. |
| ◆ BLOOMING: Hardneck garlic usually blooms a scape in early summer. Learn about managing scapes HERE. Softneck garlic does not bloom. |
| ◆ HARVESTING: Garlic planted in the fall can take 8 to 10 months before it is ready to harvest. Learn more about harvesting and curing garlic HERE. |
| ◆ COMMON PROBLEMS: Clumping, bulb rot, sprouting after harvest, fungus infection, maggot infections, small bulbs when scapes are left intact |
| ◆ COMPANION PLANTING: Planting garlic with rue drives away maggots. Chemicals released by tarragon roots may positively influence garlic. Planting garlic near chamomile is said to enhance garlic’s flavor. Because of its strong odor, garlic is a good pest deterrent to plant near potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, eggplant, tomatoes, sweet peppers, kale, beets, parsnips, carrots, and beets. |
| ◆ GARLIC MISTAKES: Find comprehensive lists of garlic mistakes for planting HERE, for watering HERE, and for curing and storage HERE. |
| ◆ TOXICITY & CAUTIONS: Consumption of raw garlic can cause stomach upset and flatulence. The eating of garlic can cause pungent breath (halitosis). If consumed in high quantities it can cause body odor. Botulism can occur when unrefrigerated garlic in oil grows Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Garlic in oil should be refrigerated and discarded after four days. If unrefrigerated it should be discarded after two hours. Garlic that is allowed to ferment can also grow Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This list is NOT a comprehensive list. |
CHECK OUT OUR COLLECTION OF GARLIC ARTICLES:
GARLIC VARIETIES UNPEELED: TYPES OF GARLIC
Knowing the different varieties and types of garlic is beneficial whether you’re picking one for its flavor, timing your harvest just right, or ensuring it stores well. READ IT HERE.
HOW MUCH GARLIC TO PLANT
Ever wondered how much garlic you should plant to keep your kitchen stocked? A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure your garlic supply is sufficient for your family. READ IT HERE.
HOW TO PLANT GARLIC
Planting garlic might seem simple, but there is more to it if you want to grow the best garlic possible. Before you start, there are some important things to keep in mind. READ IT HERE.
WATERING GARLIC: DO’S AND DON’TS FOR HEALTHY PLANTS
Understanding how to water garlic at different stages can help your plants thrive. The amount of water garlic needs changes as it grows. Here’s a look at the best watering practices for garlic. READ IT HERE.
WHEN GARLIC BOLTS: MANAGING AND USING GARLIC SCAPES
Have you noticed a flower stalk on your garlic plant? Here is how to handle it so your garlic bulbs can reach their full potential. READ IT HERE.
GROWING GARLIC AS A PERENNIAL
A rising trend in sustainable gardening is skipping annual garlic harvesting. Join us as we explore the benefits and details of growing garlic as a perennial. READ IT HERE.
HOW TO CURE AND STORE GARLIC
Looking for ways to keep your garlic harvest fresh? We’ve got you covered. Learn how to cure and store garlic the right way to prevent mold and sprouting. READ IT HERE.