How To Grow Garlic From Seeds

Growing garlic from seeds is an intriguing alternative to the traditional planting method using individual cloves. While garlic seeds are not typical botanical seeds, the “seeds” gardeners often use are actually top-setting bulbils—small aerial bulbs produced at the flowering scape of some garlic varieties. Growing garlic from these bulbils is a slower but rewarding cultivation process that can yield robust, healthy plants and expand garlic stocks economically. This article offers a detailed 1500-word guide on how to grow garlic from seeds (bulbils), covering seed harvesting, planting, care, and expected timelines.practicalselfreliance+2

Understanding Garlic Seed (Bulbils)

True garlic seeds—produced through sexual reproduction—are rare and difficult to obtain. Instead, climbers and gardeners rely on bulbils, also called “top sets” or “top-setting seeds,” which form in clusters at the top of garlic flower stalks or scapes. These bulbils resemble tiny garlic cloves and behave like seeds in propagation.

While planting cloves yields mature bulbs the following year, growing from bulbils is a longer process taking multiple years to develop full bulbs.practicalselfreliance

Harvesting Garlic Seeds (Bulbils)

1. Choose Varieties That Produce Bulbils: Hardneck garlic varieties (like Rocambole or Purple Stripe) often produce flower stalks bearing bulbils.

2. Leave Scapes Intact: After scape formation in late spring, let the stalks mature fully through summer until the bulbils dry on the stalk (late summer to early fall).

3. Collect Bulbils: Cut mature scapes once the bulbils turn brown and firm, then shake or break them off onto a tray.

4. Dry and Store: Dry the bulbils in a cool, well-ventilated space for a few days. Store in a paper bag or mesh bag in a cool, dry place until planting.practicalselfreliance

Preparing to Plant Garlic Seeds

Growing garlic from bulbils requires patience as these tiny bulbs take longer to mature than cloves.

• Choose a sunny, well-drained garden spot or large pots.

• Prepare soil with rich organic matter and good drainage.

• Bulbils can be planted directly outdoors in fall or early spring.

• Because bulbils produce small plants initially, give them plenty of space to spread.

• Keep separate from normal cloves if planting in the same garden to avoid confusion.rhs+2

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Timing

Plant bulbils in fall (early October to November in temperate zones) or early spring before soil warms too much. Fall planting aligns with garlic’s natural dormancy and cold exposure, promoting root growth and dormancy break.

2. Seedbed Preparation

Work compost or well-aged manure into soil and rake smooth. Raised beds or containers ensure better drainage if fields are heavy clay.

3. Planting Depth and Spacing

• Plant bulbils 1 to 1.5 inches deep in loose soil.

• Space about 3 to 4 inches apart in rows or clusters, with rows at least a foot apart.

4. Watering

Water after planting to settle soil. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during establishment.

5. Mulching

Apply a thin layer of mulch (straw, leaves) to protect from temperature swings and retain moisture.rhs+1

Garlic Growth Stages from Bulbils

• Year 1: Bulbils sprout into small plants producing single cloves. These cloves are much smaller than those planted initially but establish a root system.

• Year 2: Cloves from the first year grow into larger bulbs composed of multiple cloves.

• Year 3: Full-sized bulbs resembling commercially grown garlic are produced, suitable for culinary use or seed stock.practicalselfreliance

Care and Maintenance Tips

• Weeding: Keep the bed weed-free to avoid competition.

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture especially in spring.

• Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and again when plants actively grow foliage.

• Pest Control: Watch for onion fly, fungal diseases, and use row covers or natural deterrents.

• Scape Management: When scapes appear in year 2 and beyond, remove to redirect energy to bulb development (optional if harvesting scapes for cooking).tuigarden+1

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages

• Cost-Effective Propagation: Bulbils are free “seed” that can multiply stocks without purchasing additional cloves.

• Genetic Diversity: Sexual propagation via bulbils can increase variability and vigor.

• Sustainability: Multiplying garlic without buying seed supports organic, self-sustaining gardening.

Challenges

• Long Time to Maturity: Takes 2-3 years to produce large edible bulbs.

• Small Initial Bulbs: Extra space and patience are needed in early years.

• Requires Cold Exposure: Optimal vernalization needed for bulb formation.practicalselfreliance

Growing Garlic from Cloves for Comparison

For gardeners seeking faster results, garlic from cloves is planted in fall or early spring and harvested the following summer or fall within one growing season. Clove planting requires:

• Separating bulbs into individual cloves

• Planting right-side up 1 to 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart

• Maintaining rich soil, full sun, and moisture

Final Thoughts

Growing garlic from seeds (bulbils) is a fascinating, sustainable method well suited to gardeners with patience and space to develop new plants over multiple seasons. Harvesting and sowing bulbils let gardeners diversify stock and enjoy the journey of nurturing tiny “seed” garlic into mature bulbs. Whether planted from bulbils or cloves, garlic rewards effort with flavorful bulbs and culinary versatility. Starting with seeds adds a fulfilling dimension to garlic gardening, helping growers gain control, resilience, and satisfaction from their beds.tuigarden+2