Archival Copy. This information is out of date. For current information, see the OSU Extension Catalog:https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu FS 138 • Reprinted May 2003 $1.00 for the Home Garden N.S. Mansour

Garlic grows well throughout the Many bulbs of great-headed or Northwest. There are two types of garlic elephant garlic grown from the larger frequently grown in home gardens: cloves divide at the end of one growing sativum, the more commonly season, but many bulbs grown from the cultivated type, also called silver- smaller cloves remain as one solid bulb skinned or Italian garlic; and Allium or large clove called a “round.” The ampeloprasum, usually called great- stem of the is attached to the top of headed or elephant garlic. The latter is the round rather than to the root plate. A more of a novelty because of its large round planted back the second year will size. There are many special selections produce a plant, the bulb of which will or clones of each. segregate into a few very large cloves. Garlic is not grown from seed. Bulbs Small, round, very dormant cloves used for planting stock are available completely enclosed within thick, hard, from several seed catalogs brown, protective may be and local seed companies. Shopping found at the base of mature from several catalogs provides oppor- elephant garlic bulbs. Instead of tunities to collect different varieties. using these small cloves as planting Although fresh garlic bulbs available in stock, it is better to use them for grocery stores and produce markets also pickling after removing their cases. may be used for planting stock, such Preparation for planting material may be infected with and can transmit serious diseases and Garlic have large, well- nematodes. developed root systems that reach to Allium sativum “California” depths of more than 3 feet in well- strains of garlic can be classified on drained soils of the Willamette the basis of maturity as early or late, Valley. Clay loams are better for referring to the speed of sprout emer- garlic than sandy soils, provided there is gence after planting and subsequent good surface drainage during winter. bulbing and maturing. Garlic also may Surface drainage is improved by be classified as bolting (or flowering), planting garlic on beds raised 6 to incomplete bolting, or nonbolting. 8 inches above the natural level of the Great-headed or elephant garlic is the garden. least pungent garlic, followed by early Before planting, mix a complete fer- and late Allium sativum in ascending tilizer (such as 8-24-8) thoroughly with order of pungency. There are minor the top 8 to 10 inches of soil. Apply variations among individual selections. 2 pounds of fertilizer to 100 square feet Garlic is a bulbous plant related to of soil. In late April or May, sidedress 1 , chive, and . The leaves of the plants with ⁄2 pound of ammonium garlic have solid, thin blades rather than sulfate per 100 square feet. No addi- the more round, tubular, hollow blades tional fertilizer is required in most soils. of onion leaves. As garlic matures, it Select clean, dry bulbs. Carefully produces a fairly smooth, round, dry break them apart into individual cloves. bulb at the base. Each year common The bulbs will separate naturally into garlic divides into cloves (usually 10 or two sizes of cloves. The larger ones are more) soon after bulbing. N.S. Mansour, Extension vegetable crops specialist emeritus, Oregon State University. Archival Copy. This information is out of date. For current information, see the OSU Extension Catalog:https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu preferred for planting stock. Do not For more information bruise the cloves. Plant the cloves the Many OSU Extension Service same day they are “cracked” (broken publications may be viewed or down- apart). loaded from the Web. Visit the online Planting Publications and Videos catalog at http://eesc.oregonstate.edu. Plant cloves 1 to 3 inches deep Copies of our publications and videos anytime from September through also are available from OSU Extension November for best results. During fall and Experiment Station Communica- and winter, the root system develops and tions. For prices and ordering informa- a little top growth is made. By spring, tion, visit our online catalog or contact the plant already is well established and us by fax (541-737-0817), e-mail makes rapid top growth as the weather ([email protected]), or phone warms. Large, vigorous tops are (541-737-2513). necessary to produce large bulbs. Plant garlic in the open where it will Thrips usually can be found on garlic receive full sunlight and no competition leaves throughout the summer, and they from perennial plants. To save space in a are more damaging than generally small raised bed, plant the cloves 3 to realized. Thrips give the leaves a silvery, 4 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches streaked appearance and may be seen as apart. Elephant garlic should be spaced tiny brownish “threads” along the 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 8 to 12 inches mid-ribs. apart. If space is not a problem, garlic may be spaced more widely or planted Harvesting in a single row through the garden. After all the tops have dried or fallen Plant so that the tops of the cloves are over, the bulbs are ready to harvest. This 2 inches beneath the surface of the soil. occurs in late August in Oregon. Lift the Planting the cloves with the root end bulbs carefully with a trowel or spade down is not necessary. The clove used and place entire plants in the shade to as planting stock disintegrates during dry for a week or more. After drying, winter as the plant grows. clip off the tops and roots (1 inch from the bulb) or leave the plants intact with Care of plants the tops of several plants braided Garlic, like , cannot withstand together. Gently free the soil from the weed competition. Use very shallow roots. Handle carefully. Garlic deterio- cultivation with a sharp hoe to keep the rates rapidly if bruised. area scraped free of weeds. Many roots of garlic are near the surface of the soil; Storage damaging them will reduce yields. Garlic may be stored in a mesh bag Provide enough water during spring or slated crate or hung in braided ropes and early summer to moisten the soil or bunches from rafters. Any cool, well- thoroughly to a depth of 2 feet every 8 ventilated place will do for storage to 10 days. Stop irrigation as soon as the through the winter months. In very cold first plants begin to mature (the tops fall areas, the bulbs should be protected over naturally and become dry). from freezing. Save the largest and best-formed bulbs for planting.

© 1998 Oregon State University. This publication may be photocopied or reprinted in its entirety for noncommercial purposes. This publication was produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials— without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status—as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Revised January 1998. Reprinted May 2003.