Growing garlic from seed is possible, but it is not commonly done for several reasons. First, garlic seeds are not as readily available as garlic cloves. Second, growing garlic from seed requires more time and effort than growing from cloves. Lastly, the resulting plants may not be as reliable or productive as those grown from cloves.
Garlic seeds are typically obtained by allowing garlic plants to flower and produce seed pods. These pods contain small black seeds that can be collected and planted. However, garlic plants often do not produce flowers or seed pods, especially when grown in certain climates or under specific conditions. Therefore, obtaining garlic seeds can be a challenge in itself.
If you manage to obtain garlic seeds, they can be planted in a similar manner to other seeds. They should be sown in well-draining soil, with the pointed end facing up. A thin layer of soil can be sprinkled on top, and the seeds should be kept moist until they germinate. However, germination rates for garlic seeds can be low, and it may take several weeks for the seeds to sprout.
Once the garlic seedlings emerge, they will need careful attention and care. They should be provided with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. It is important to keep in mind that garlic grown from seed may not develop into bulbs as quickly or as reliably as garlic grown from cloves. The resulting plants may also exhibit more variation in terms of size, flavor, and storage qualities.
Considering the challenges and uncertainties associated with growing garlic from seed, most gardeners and farmers prefer to grow garlic from cloves. Cloves are readily available and have a higher success rate in terms of producing healthy, productive plants. Additionally, garlic cloves can be planted in both the fall and spring, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the year.
In my personal experience as a gardener, I have always grown garlic from cloves. I find it to be a simpler and more reliable method. The cloves are easily separated from the bulb and planted with minimal effort. Within a few weeks, they begin to sprout, and with proper care, they develop into healthy garlic plants. The resulting bulbs are typically of good quality and can be stored for an extended period.
To summarize, while it is possible to grow garlic from seed, it is not the most common or practical method. Obtaining garlic seeds can be challenging, and the resulting plants may not be as reliable or productive as those grown from cloves. Therefore, if you are interested in growing garlic, I would recommend starting with cloves, as they offer a higher success rate and are easier to obtain.
