Vernalizing garlic in a freezer and planting periodically?

[Ryan Blanton]

Hey I live in florida and tho our winters do get cold where I live, its not always consistent and I would hate for my crop to devurnilive before they sprout. Is it possible to store cloves planted in soil in a freezer for a period of time, then plant during spring or end of fall to ensure growth? Very new to growing garlic but would love to grow it on a bulk scale to sell.

 

[Chuck]

Hey I live in florida and tho our winters do get cold where I live, its not always consistent and I would hate for my crop to devurnilive before they sprout. Is it possible to store cloves planted in soil in a freezer for a period of time, then plant during spring or end of fall to ensure growth? Very new to growing garlic but would love to grow it on a bulk scale to sell.

Most vernalization is done at 5C-10C (40F-50F). Putting them in a freezer might be a bit too much. I'd put them in the fridge instead.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

agree, keep in mind, when in the ground the soil shelters bulbs from the real freezing weather. I know, in my area, after a good winter and lots of snow, 28 inches of it, my plants are so happy in spring.