To plant garlic bulblets, also known as bulbils, you will need bulbs that are about 1 inch in diameter. These bulbils can be obtained from garlic varieties like Marble Purple Stripes. If you have larger bulbils, like those from Rocambole or Asiatic garlic, which resemble marbles, you should space them about 2-4 inches apart when planting.
Start by preparing the soil in a sunny spot in your garden. Garlic prefers well-draining soil, so it’s a good idea to work in some compost or organic matter to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage. Remove any weeds or debris from the area before planting.
Once the soil is prepared, gently place the garlic bulbils in the ground. It’s best to space them apart to allow room for growth and proper development. If you have smaller bulbils, you can plant them about 1-2 inches apart. For larger ones, leave a bit more space.
After placing the bulbils in the soil, cover them gently with about 1-2 inches of soil. Be careful not to bury them too deeply, as this can inhibit their growth. Lightly pat down the soil to ensure good soil-to-bulbil contact.
Water the planted bulbils thoroughly to help settle the soil and provide moisture for their initial growth. Garlic requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, so be sure to water regularly.
As the garlic bulbils grow, they will develop into bulbs over time. This process can take a couple of years, so patience is key. It’s important to provide proper care and maintenance during this period to ensure healthy growth.
Keep the area weed-free, as competition from weeds can hinder the growth of the garlic plants. Mulching the area around the plants can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Organic mulches like straw or shredded leaves work well for this purpose.
Throughout the growing season, monitor the moisture levels in the soil and water as needed. Garlic prefers evenly moist soil but can be susceptible to rot if the soil becomes waterlogged. So, it’s important to find a balance and avoid overwatering.
In terms of fertilization, garlic generally benefits from a balanced organic fertilizer applied in early spring and again after the plants have grown a bit. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for application rates and timing.
Harvesting garlic bulbils can vary depending on the variety and your desired outcome. If you want to harvest mature bulbs, you’ll need to wait until the plants have completed their growth cycle, which can take around 9-10 months. However, if you’re growing garlic for its bulbils, you can harvest them once they have developed and matured, usually around 1-2 years after planting.
To harvest the bulbils, gently lift the plants from the ground, being careful not to damage the bulbs or bulbils. Shake off any excess soil and separate the bulbils from the plants. You can store the bulbils in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them again or use them for culinary purposes.
By following these planting instructions and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of garlic bulbils in your garden. Experiment with different garlic varieties to discover your favorites, and don’t forget to savor the unique flavors and aromas they bring to your cooking. Happy gardening!
