The reason garlic fails to form heads is usually due to improper planting. This crop needs overwintering in the soil and a specific cooling period to develop large heads. Planting garlic in the spring, even in cold weather, won’t yield a significant harvest. While spring garlic can produce fragrant greens, the heads will be small and unsuitable for long-term storage. Planting in May often results in no heads at all, just abundant greens.
So, the conclusion is clear: if you want big heads of garlic, it’s best to plant it for the winter.
When garlic shoots, it’s a normal growth process, especially for winter garlic. However, it’s crucial to remove the arrows in a timely manner to prevent overloading the plant and to promote large head formation. There are several methods for arrow removal, such as hand breaking, pulling, or using secateurs. It’s advisable to leave a few arrows as a guide for harvesting when they become springy.
Tying the Leaves
Tying the garlic leaves into a knot is an important step in head formation. This technique helps to stop leaf growth and directs the plant’s energy toward forming the head. Experienced gardeners recommend tying leaves two weeks before harvesting. It’s essential not to tighten the knot too much, to avoid damaging the leaves, and to use woven braids for fixation.
For spring-planted garlic, the best time to tie the leaves is one week before harvest. However, opinions on winter garlic vary. Some gardeners suggest tying leaves two weeks before harvest, while others believe 7-10 days is sufficient.
After harvesting, garlic should dry for 3-4 hours in the sun, spread out in a thin layer. Once dried, it can be woven into a braid and hung in a cool, dark place for storage.
Use these tips and techniques to achieve a large harvest of garlic and ensure it can be stored for a long time!
