Growing garlic (Allium sativum) from store-bought bulbs might appear to be an affordable and straightforward method to cultivate more of these flavorful cloves. It’s an appealing idea due to its simplicity. However, before you decide to pick up a bulb during your next grocery trip, consider some important factors. Many garlic bulbs sold in stores have weak or poor-quality cloves that aren’t ideal for planting. These bulbs are often treated with chemicals to prevent sprouting and extend shelf life. While consuming sprouted garlic isn’t harmful, it can taste more bitter. This treatment, aimed at preserving flavor, might hinder growth for those who enjoy gardening on their own. Thus, using store-bought garlic, such as those from Walmart, might not yield the best results.
Besides potentially poor yields, store-bought garlic can also introduce diseases like white rot to your soil. Most supermarkets sell softneck garlic, which is vulnerable in cold weather, posing a risk of soil contamination only to have the cloves die. Garlic takes six to eight months to grow and mature, so it’s essential to begin with quality. Experts advise against using this method, urging gardeners to avoid wasting time and set themselves up for success.
The idea of “plant one clove and get twenty bulbs” may be more effective if you visit your local gardening center. There are more reliable ways to cultivate garlic for a fruitful harvest of this cherished bulb plant.
Different types of garlic to consider for your garden
Store-bought garlic cloves are not the ideal choice for growing bulbs at home. Hardneck garlic thrives in colder climates and produces larger but fewer bulbs, hardy in zones 1 through 7. Softneck garlic, which grows better in warmer climates, produces smaller cloves in hardiness zones 6 through 12. Understanding the type best suited for your climate is crucial, and consulting with experts at your local gardening center can help determine the best cultivar for your region or yard. These considerations are often overlooked in grocery stores.
If you’re determined to grow store-bought garlic, you can still try. As it’s likely a softneck variety, indoor growing will be necessary in colder areas. In the fall, plant individual cloves with their papery layers intact in well-draining soil, amending with sand or loam if you have heavy clay soil. Bury each clove 4 to 6 inches deep and space them about 7 inches apart. Cover with soil, water thoroughly, and apply mulch. Ensure deep watering if rainfall is sparse and use a balanced fertilizer in spring. Then, wait to see if your efforts yield garlic bulbs!
