Garlic bulbils are small, but powerful seed-like structures that have the potential to grow into full-sized garlic bulbs. While most gardeners rely on garlic cloves or bulbs to plant new garlic, bulbils offer an alternative method for growing this beloved culinary herb. In this blog post, we’ll explore what garlic bulbils are, how they form, and how to use them to grow new garlic plants.
What are Garlic Bulbils?
Garlic bulbils are small, teardrop-shaped structures that grow on the flower stalk of a garlic plant, also known as the scape. They are usually between the size of a pea and a corn kernel and vary in color depending on the variety. Each bulbil contains the genetic material necessary to grow into a full-sized garlic plant, making them a valuable resource for gardeners. The quantity of bulbils found depends on the variety but can reach over 100 per plant.
How to Grow Garlic Bulbils
If you have garlic bulbils and want to grow new garlic plants, the process is relatively simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Harvest the Bulbils: Garlic bulbils are typically ready for harvesting in late summer or early fall. Cut off the garlic scapes once they have developed bulbils, or gently pull the bulbils off the scape.
- Clean the Bulbils: Once you have collected the bulbils, remove any debris, dirt, or stems by gently rubbing them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a well-draining location in your garden and prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
- Plant the Bulbils: Plant the bulbils about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart, with the pointy end facing up. Water the soil thoroughly after planting.
- Care for the Garlic Plants: Garlic bulbils will begin to grow into small plants in a few weeks. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month. In late spring, when the leaves begin to turn yellow and dry, it’s time to harvest the garlic bulbs.
In conclusion, garlic bulbils are a valuable resource for gardeners who want to grow their own garlic. While they require a bit more effort than planting garlic cloves, they offer the potential to produce a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful garlic. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily grow garlic from bulbils and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own garlic from scratch.
The green shoots above are all from garlic bulbils that were planted in the late fall. This season I was testing out bulbils I had harvested in July and testing how they would fair over the winter. I plan on increasing the quantity and adding an additional variety for next year’s testing.
Related Blog Posts: Growing Garlic Bulbils 2020-2023, series – part 1