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     Home Seed Index Index of Rare Food Plants   Copyright © 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008  Green Harvest No part of this website may be reproduced without permission of the owner