Thresh Farmstead Garlic (Scapes)

Garlic requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and plenty of sunlight. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Best planted in fall.  Set bulbils 3" apart, 1/2" deep in rows 18" apart.  Thin to one plant every 6".  If grown solely for scapes, bulbils can be broadcasted and lightly raked into a prepared garden bed.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

Although generally healthy, garlic can be affected by pests such as leaf miners, onion maggots, and nematodes. Regularly monitor for pests and treat if needed. Dispose of infested foliage to keep populations at bay.

Diseases & Other Problems

Garlic can be affected by a number of diseases including various fungal rots and downy mildew. Ensure that plants have ample spacing to allow for airflow and avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal growth and rot.

For scapes, harvest young stalks when bulbil clump is still immature.  At this stage, the leaf encasing the bulbils will be nearly white.  For mature garlic bulbs, let the stalk dry down and then gently lift bulbs using a potato fork.  Garlic heads will store approximately 3 months.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Hardneck garlic can be propagated either by dividing and replanting bulbs or by planting bulbils that are produced by the flower stalk.

HARVESTING SEED:

Harvest mature bulbils once the stem has dried. Remove the individual bulbils from the cluster and lay in a cool, dry, dark place to finish drying. Replant within 6 months of harvest for best results.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Bulbils will remain viable for several months when stored under ideal conditions.