Garlic is usually grown from the cloves that form in the head. And in order for the head to grow large, it is necessary to remove the arrow.
But if the arrow is left, miniature cloves are formed in the inflorescence, which are called seeds, bulblets or aerial bulbs.
Strictly speaking, these are really bulbs, not seeds. But for a gardener, botanical subtleties are not so important, the main thing is the result.
It is not difficult to grow a full-fledged garlic bulb from these “seeds”. You just need a little patience.
Why grow garlic from bulbs
There are two reasons to start growing from "seeds".
Firstly, it is an opportunity to renew the planting material. Since with traditional planting with cloves, the mother plant transmits the entire spectrum of diseases to the new one. And over the years of cultivation, quite a few have accumulated.
The "seeds" practically do not transmit diseases that the plant suffers from. Some viral diseases may be an exception, but this is extremely rare.
Secondly, this method is ideal when you need to propagate a new variety. Varietal bulbs are expensive. Having bought several, you will have to propagate them for many years, planting cloves.
However, several dozen aerial bulbs grow on one plant, and sometimes up to 200 pieces. The quantity depends on the variety and growing conditions.
Gardeners' experiments in growing
There are many ways to grow garlic from aerial bulbs, tested by gardeners who are not averse to experimentation.
Method one: classic
In autumn, the "seeds" should be planted at the same time as regular garlic. Cover them in the same way. The following year, remove them after they have ripened. Large bulblets will grow from the bulblets, which should be grown in the same way as regular garlic.
Method two: summer planting
With this method, you need to save the "seeds" until next summer, sowing them in the second half of July. Care for them as for regular garlic - weeding, watering, fertilizing.
After the tops have lodged, there is no need to dig up the garlic. It will spend the winter in the same bed, and next spring it will start growing, as with a normal planting.
Method three: a full cycle
With this method, the bulblets must be planted in the fall, as with planting large cloves. Care is exactly the same.
But after lodging in midsummer, there is no need to dig it up. In the fall, the garlic will take root again and go into winter. Next year, a full head will grow.
If you don't like surprises, dig up the garlic at the usual time and then plant it again in the fall. If you want to save time and effort by leaving the plant in the garden bed after it ripens, be prepared for possible surprises.
For example, if the autumn is warm and rainy, garlic may actively start growing, which will reduce its winter hardiness.
The aerial bulb should be planted no more than 2 cm deep. Otherwise, it will not be able to sprout.
