Garlic is one of those plants that produces topsets , or bulbils . Since hardneck Allium sativum does n’t produce good seed – softneck does n’t even evolve a flower stalk – bulblet are a adept way to grow a hatful more garlic . The bulbils explicate when a flower stalk ( scape ) is reserve to maturate . Bulbils are clone of the parent plant .
Why to Grow Bulbils
One of the reward of using garlic bulbil instead of Eugenia caryophyllatum to farm more garlic is that you avoid the possibility of filth - borne diseases . Another is that a works may produce as many as 100 bulbils , while most garlics produce 20 or fewer garlic clove . Planting bulbils from garlic plant that have fall back vigour is a good way to restore the strain .
Disadvantages of Planting Bulbils
bulbil willgrowplants the first year . However , it does take several years for bulbil to bring forth plants with full - sized clove , and the bulbil must be replant each year . To constitute bulblet , you must lead the flower stalk on those plants . The Allium sativum from those plants is still edible but less desirable than plants from which you remove the scape .
Garlic Varieties for Bulbils
Only hardneck ail produce a flower stalk that will develop bulbil . Bulbils vary greatly in size and turn depending on variety .
Be Patient
It assume several years to produce industrial plant with reasonable - sized bulbs when growing with bulbils . In most cases , you ’ll get a few small cloves one time of year and then gradually larger and more legion cloves each come after twelvemonth . Varieties disagree ; Spanish garlic unremarkably take two or three years to produce good cloves . Porcelains may take three or four years . Plant the largest clove tree each twelvemonth for right results .
Harvest and Planting
Cut the bulbils from the plant once the peak sheath have burst . string up the stalks to dry amply and storage in brown newspaper publisher pocketbook . In the surrender , plant bulbils in fertile , well - drain soil . Small bulblet should be just barely covered , while bigger bulbils can be establish an column inch deep . Mulch well and keep well - water ; bulblet do n’t tolerate water stress . crop before the tops have give-up the ghost down .
Growing On
Each year , select the best plants and Eugenia caryophyllatum to propagate . Look for healthy plants with plenty of top growing and strong root arrangement . Cloves should be plump and firm . you could replant all the cloves or eat the smallest unity and works only big cloves . If you mulch , ascendence mice and voles , which will wipe out the bulbils . Store in a ardent dry place until planting time the next fall .
