|
GARLIC GROWING
INFORMATION
©
Frances Michaels
COMMON NAMES:
krathiem, bawang putih, bawang
BOTANICAL NAME:
Allium sativum
FAMILY:
Alliaceae
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Garlic is a well-known bulb with flat, grey-green
leaves. Garlic ‘Glen Large’ is a variety with a
purple skin, selected by Gatton Research Station as
being suitable for Australian conditions, from the
Atherton Tableland to SA. It is a top-setting,
early, day-length neutral garlic, which makes it far
more suitable for warmer areas, than other garlic
cultivars. Each bulb weighs approximately 30g; with
6-15 cloves per bulb; so there are approx. 10
planting pieces per bulb. Each kilo contains
approximately 28 bulbs. ‘Italian White’ is a soft-neck type with
creamy white skin, medium to large bulb with up to
10-12 cloves per bulb. Store garlic in a cool, dry
place with good air circulation for later planting.
Garlic does best in
light, well-drained soil and likes full sun. Improve
the soil by adding compost or well-rotted animal
manures before planting. Mulch well, as garlic
dislikes competition from weeds. Regular watering is
important, do not allow the soil to completely dry
out during bulb formation. Stop watering once the
tops brown.
USES
-
Food; its uses are many and varied; it can be
baked, boiled, sautéed and grilled. It is
nutritious, being high in vitamins A, B1, B2 and
C. The young leaves and sprouts are considered a
delicacy.
-
Pest Control; plant garlic among roses and fruit
trees to repel pests such as aphids.
PLANTING
Separate the bulb into cloves before planting.
Garlic should be planted in March – early April
in warmer climates (Qld and northern NSW). Planting
after April will reduce the size of the bulbs.
Garlic planted in March will be ready for harvest by
September. In cool climates it can be planted in
autumn or spring.
Planting Depth:
The tops of the bulbs should be just below the soil
surface. The flatter or root end should be pointing
down.
Sowing rate:
Plant cloves about 10 cm (4”) apart, in rows about
40 cm (1’4”) apart.
HARVEST
Harvest before the tops have completely died back.
Treat the bulbs gently as bruised bulbs do not store
well. Hang the whole plant in bunches, or spread on
racks, and allow to dry undercover for 2 to 3 weeks.
The skins will then become papery and dry. Either
plait the garlic or remove the leaves and roots, to
store on racks or in net bags. Good air circulation
is essential. Bulbs should be stored whole, not
separated into cloves.
WARNING
Avoid planting garlic purchased at the greengrocers,
as this is likely to be imported garlic with an
associated risk of introducing serious virus
diseases to your soil.
Available from Green
Harvest:
February to March 2009
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Green Harvest
No part of this website may be reproduced
without permission of the owner
|
|