Allium sativum
Amaryllidaceae
Garlic
Ovoid or globose bulb, usually divided into several cloves. 4-6 flat, leaves. Flowers in umbells, with pedicels twice as long as the white-pinkish perianth. (herb / vegetable)
Uses
Foliage can be harvested at any time during the growing season. Bulbs are harvested once the foliage has died down.
Used as a seasoning in many dishes and as a herbal remedy.
Culture
Prefers mild conditions. Cooler temperatures encourage growth, warm temperatures initiate bulb formation. Plant in spring in temperate climates, or in late autumn in warmer areas.
Grow in relatively dry conditions with low humidity and friable, well-drained soil.
Use organic fertilisers high in nitrogen and potassium. Prefers a pH of 6.0.
Propagation
By separating the individual cloves from the bulbs and planting those out in open ground in autumn.
Can also be propagated from seed.
Cultivars
Many cultivars available including hard neck, soft neck, red, white etc. You can also get varieties suited to various climatic conditions such as humidity.The flavour of the various cultivars also varies.
Plant Health
Aphis, thrips and fungal disease can all be a problem.
http://osu.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/garlic.html
More info
'Home Vegetable Growing' and 'Commercial Vegetable Growing' courses through Australian Correspondence Schools, see www.acs.edu.au/hort.
'Commercial Hydroponics' on CDROM from Australian Correspondence Schools, see www.acs.edu.au/shop
More from ACS
Ebook - Over 60,000 copies sold: a classic reference.
View eBook
Ebook - Decide what you can produce in your garden and the growing conditions needed for a range of climates.
View eBook
Course -
Learn to grow, harvest, preserve and store food,
production of milk, cheese making and eggs.
View Course
Course - for:
Vegetable growers, farm managers, farm workers, breeders, nurserymen, seed breeders and allied service providers.
View Course