Garlic is a
member of the allium family, which includes leeks, shallots and onions. There many
different varieties of garlic, all of which fall into three general categories:
Softneck, Hardneck and Elephant. Softneck garlic is the kind you will generally
find in the grocery store. The two common types of softneck garlic are
artichoke and silverskin. Artichoke garlic generally stores well and has a mild
flavor, such as Inchelium Red and Early Italian Purple. Silverskin includes
Silver Rose (warm flavor), Italian Late (very aromatic with robust flavor) and
Nootka Rose (very strong flavor). Softneck garlics have a flexible stalk which
can be braided.
Hardneck
garlics also have a stalk –called a scape- which coils at the top. If left to
mature, hardnecks will produce a flower which is actually a number of small bubils,
or tiny bulbs, which are edible. Hardnecks dry to a hard stem, hence the name. The
most common Hardneck garlic is rocambole. As a group, they have a deeper,
richer flavor than softnecks do, but they don’t store as well. Select German
Red or Spanish Roja for long lasting, strong flavor.
Elephant garlic is the largest
garlic. It is also the mildest and sweetest. It is easy to peel and has a long
shelf life.
Garlic is
typically planted in late September and early October. Start with a good,
quality bulb. Garlic purchased in grocery stores is often treated with sprout
inhibitors, disrupting the growth cycle.
Break the bulb, called “cracking” into
individual cloves. Each clove will produce its own plant, containing 6-8 cloves
per bulb. Garlic likes sun and well-drained soils, so incorporate a good soil
amendment such as Sheep, Peat and Compost into your planting. This organic soil
is produced locally. Add some Bone Meal to the planting site, to encourage
rooting. Garlic is a very friendly plant and grows well planted with other
flowers and vegetables in the garden as well as in the perennial bed. Plant
each clove about 2” deep, pointy end up and spaced about 6” apart.
Like other spring flowering
bulbs, garlic planted now will set roots and start to grow. As the soil
temperature cools down, growth stops. As soil temperatures increase in the
spring, the bulb begins its growth cycle. Garlic can be mulched in early
winter, after the ground freezes. The mulch will hold in moisture and keep the
ground stable.
Softneck garlic planted now
will usually be ready for harvest around July 4th. Dig softnecks
when the leaves turn brown. Hardnecks will mature a little later in the season.
Hardnecks are ready to dig when the scapes become straight.
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