For planting purposes, purchase garlic bulbs from specialized seed suppliers, local nurseries, farmers markets, or agricultural extension services between August and November. Avoid grocery store garlic as it's often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases unsuitable for your garden.
Why Grocery Store Garlic Won't Work for Planting
Many gardeners make the mistake of using grocery store garlic for planting, but this rarely succeeds. Commercial garlic sold for consumption is typically treated with growth inhibitors to extend shelf life. According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, approximately 92% of supermarket garlic contains sprout inhibitors that prevent proper root development.
| Feature | Grocery Store Garlic | Planting Garlic Bulbs |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment | Chemical sprout inhibitors | Untreated, disease-free |
| Variety | Limited selection | Regional varieties available |
| Disease Risk | High (imported varieties) | Low (certified disease-free) |
| Success Rate | 10-20% | 85-95% |
Optimal Timing for Purchasing Garlic Bulbs
The best time to buy garlic bulbs for planting depends on your climate zone. In most regions, fall planting (September to November) yields the best results. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends purchasing bulbs 2-4 weeks before your intended planting date to allow for proper curing and storage.
Where to Buy Quality Garlic Bulbs for Planting
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Visit independent garden centers rather than big-box stores for better quality planting stock. Local nurseries typically carry varieties suited to your specific climate zone. Staff often have regional growing experience and can recommend varieties that perform well in your area. Ask specifically for "seed garlic" rather than culinary garlic to ensure you're getting appropriate planting stock.
Farmers Markets
Many small-scale garlic growers sell planting stock at farmers markets in late summer and early fall. This direct-from-farmer approach offers several advantages:
- Opportunity to ask about growing conditions and variety characteristics
- Fresher bulbs with better viability
- Support for local agriculture
- Often organically grown options available
Specialty Online Seed Retailers
Reputable online seed companies offer the widest variety selection. When shopping online, look for:
- Certified disease-free guarantees
- Regional variety recommendations
- Clear planting instructions
- Customer reviews from your climate zone
Top online sources include Seed Savers Exchange, Fedco Seeds, and Johnny's Selected Seeds, all of which provide detailed growing information specific to each variety.
Community Resources
Many gardening communities offer alternative sourcing options:
- Local master gardener programs often host garlic swaps
- University extension services sometimes sell regionally adapted varieties
- Community seed libraries increasingly include garlic bulbs
- Gardening clubs frequently organize group purchases for better pricing
What to Look for When Purchasing Garlic Bulbs
Not all planting garlic is created equal. Select bulbs with these quality indicators:
- Size: Larger cloves generally produce larger bulbs (aim for 1-2 inches in diameter)
- Condition: Firm bulbs without soft spots, mold, or damage
- Paper Skin: Intact, dry wrapper that's not separating
- Root Plate: Visible, healthy basal plate where roots will emerge
- Variety Match: Hardneck varieties for colder climates, softneck for warmer regions
Regional Considerations for Garlic Planting
Your location significantly impacts which garlic varieties will thrive. The Oregon State University Extension notes that hardneck garlic (which produces a flower stalk) generally performs better in colder climates (zones 3-7), while softneck varieties (which don't produce flower stalks) excel in warmer regions (zones 7-10).
When purchasing garlic bulbs, always ask about regional suitability. Some varieties like 'Music' and 'German Extra Hardy' perform well across multiple zones, while others like 'Inchelium Red' are better suited to specific climates.
Proper Storage Before Planting
Store purchased garlic bulbs properly to maintain viability:
- Keep in a cool, dry place (50-65°F / 10-18°C)
- Maintain good air circulation (mesh bags work well)
- Do not refrigerate (can trigger premature sprouting)
- Plant within 4-6 weeks of purchase for best results
Planting Timeline and Expectations
Follow this timeline for successful garlic cultivation:
- August-September: Purchase planting stock
- October-November: Plant cloves 2-3 inches deep, 6 inches apart
- Winter: Mulch heavily to protect from extreme cold
- Spring: Remove mulch as shoots emerge, apply nitrogen fertilizer
- Summer: Harvest when lower leaves turn brown (typically June-July)
Most garlic varieties take 8-9 months from planting to harvest. Patience yields rewards—properly grown garlic develops complex flavors and larger bulb sizes than rushed supermarket alternatives.
Can I use organic grocery store garlic for planting?
While organic grocery store garlic has fewer chemical treatments, it's still not ideal for planting. Most commercial garlic varieties aren't adapted to home garden conditions and may carry soil-borne diseases. For reliable results, purchase certified disease-free seed garlic from gardening suppliers.
How much does planting garlic typically cost?
Planting garlic costs $10-$25 for a dozen bulbs, depending on variety and source. While this seems expensive compared to grocery store garlic, the investment yields 30-50 times the harvest weight. Specialty varieties like Georgian Crystal or Spanish Roja may cost more but offer unique flavor profiles and better regional adaptation.
What's the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic for planting?
Hardneck garlic produces a flower stalk (scape) and generally offers more complex flavors but stores for only 6-8 months. It's better suited for colder climates. Softneck varieties lack the flower stalk, store longer (10-12 months), and adapt better to warmer regions. Hardnecks typically yield fewer but larger cloves per bulb compared to softnecks.
How early can I buy garlic bulbs for planting?
Purchase garlic bulbs 2-4 weeks before your planting date. Buying too early (more than 6 weeks in advance) risks reduced viability. Most reputable suppliers time their inventory to match regional planting schedules, with northern regions receiving stock in August-September and southern regions in October-November.
Do I need to treat garlic bulbs before planting?
No special treatment is needed for quality seed garlic. Some gardeners soak cloves in a solution of baking soda and water (1 tablespoon per quart) for 15-20 minutes to prevent fungal issues, but this isn't necessary with disease-free planting stock. Simply separate cloves from the bulb 1-2 days before planting and keep the papery covering intact.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4