Do supermarket garlic cloves grow well?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Growing supermarket garlic presents distinct challenges, and it is essential to prepare to overcome them. Additionally, commercial varieties often lack the cold-hardiness genes necessary for bulb formation and may be susceptible to fungal diseases. Although it can be done with proper caution, local seed garlic is usually a better option. I have experimented with growing garlic for anywhere from 4 to 5 growing seasons with mixed success.
Clove Selection
- Choose organic bulbs never treated with sprout inhibitors
- Inspect for firmness and intact papery wrappers
- Reject any with mold or soft spots
Disease Prevention
- Soak cloves in baking soda solution (1 tbsp/qt) for 4 hours
- Follow with hydrogen peroxide dip (3% solution)
- Dry thoroughly before planting
Vernalization
- Refrigerate cloves at 32-40°F (0-4°C) for 6-8 weeks
- Maintain humidity with damp paper towels
- Prevent condensation that causes rot
Regional adaptations will result in the best overall results. In northern climates, the best garlic varieties will be those hardneck and hardneck-like kinds one finds in a store. In southern climates, store-bought softneck varieties will perform best. I've personally had the best success with garlic in Scotland, particularly in zones 7-9, but with mild winters. Always find the variety satisfactory to local conditions.
Alternative sourcing has advantages. Farmers' markets offer bulbs more suited to your area. Specialty seed companies offer guarantees of disease-free stock. Online growers' seed exchange programs connect gardener to gardener. I joined a regional garlic grower association to access reliable stock for planting.
The realities of performance limitations should be viewed with realistic expectations. Garlic purchased at the store will generally yield either smaller bulbs with fewer cloves or will have a flavor intensity that is on par with special cultivars. Furthermore, harvest yield declines are expected after the first harvest generation. Due to this, I have had only limited success treating store-bought garlic as a viable crop and as an experimental one.
Read the full article: When to Plant Garlic Perfectly
