I have grown elephant garlic which is related to the leek or years and have had great success. Last fall I planted Spanish garlic for the first time. I started with large purple garlic bulbs that had large cloves. They grew well all winter and I harvested them this morning. Everyone of them had a single bulb without cloves. I am a little disappointed but I think I need to cure the bulbs and plant them again in the coming fall. Any advise on how to proceed will be appreciated.
Hey
,
First off
, hats off to you for diving into the world of garlic cultivation. I've been growing elephant garlic for a while too
, and I completely understand the joy of watching them thrive. It's indeed a bit of a curveball with the Spanish garlic behaving differently, isn't it?
From what you've described, it sounds like you've harvested what we garden enthusiasts often call a "round" - basically a solid bulb that hasn't segmented into individual cloves. While it's not the outcome you were expecting, it's not uncommon for certain garlic types in their first year, especially if they're adjusting to a new environment or if planting conditions weren't ideal.
Here's a game plan for you:
Curing Process: Before anything else, cure those garlic bulbs. Place them in a cool, dry place for about a month. This not only helps in extending their shelf life but also enhances the flavor.
Replanting: Those rounds you've got? They're gold for your next planting. Once you've cured them, you can replant these rounds come fall. They should ideally split into multi-cloved bulbs in their second year. It's like the plant's way of saying, "Alright, I've figured out the environment, now let's get serious!"
Soil & Care: Ensure that the soil is well-draining and you've got them in a sunny spot. Before you plant again, maybe mix in some compost to enrich the soil. Make sure they get consistent water, especially during their growing phase.
Protecting the Plant: Considering you're planting in fall, mulching will be your best friend. It'll keep the cloves insulated during the winter, helping in better growth.
Patience is Key: Sometimes, all plants need is a little time to adjust. It might have been a surprise this year, but there's always the next!
I hope this helps. Keep the faith and fingers crossed for a clove-filled harvest next season!
All the best,
Ramzan