Description
An herb with a papery coat that emerges from a spherical, very scented bulb that contains 10 to 20 cloves. The plant has the look of an onion. When crushed, green leaves smell like onions or garlic. They are also flat. The white to purplish bulbs have a strong, distinct smell and can be divided into parts (edible cloves). There is a papery, white covering on the cloves and bulb.
Habitat
Native to the Mediterranean and West Asian regions is garlic. Major garlic-growing countries include China, Korea, India, USA, Spain, Argentina, and Egypt. At higher elevations, garlic grows on a well-drained, somewhat clay loam and enjoys cool temperatures.
Uses
Garlic reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, inhibits and eliminates bacteria, fungus, and parasites, and guards the liver by preventing blood clotting. It has anticancer properties as well. Additionally, garlic may boost immunity, fend off illness, and maintain overall health.
Varieties
Popular varieties include:
Rocambole: Bulb storage life is less than other varieties, but skin is extremely thin and peels readily. Due to its curving scapes, this variety of garlic is also known as serpent garlic and is one of the most commonly produced types.
Purple-striped garlic includes a number of striped kinds with mild to pungent flavors; Chesnok is suitable for roasting, while Starbright is valued for its nutty flavor and storage quality.
Porcelain garlic: Bulbs have thick skin that helps them store well and only a few huge cloves. Romanian red is strong and acidic, while Georgian crystal is a moderate variant.
Plant Care
- Light
Garlic loves light, which might surprise you for a plant that grows underground most of the time. Garlic should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours every day to have the highest chance of growing successfully.
- Soil
A rich soil is one of the most crucial requirements for producing garlic successfully. It should have a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and be moist but well-draining. After planting, it is beneficial to cover the soil with a layer of mulch to protect the bulbs, retain moisture, and stop weed growth.
- Water
Garlic doesn’t require a lot of water because of its laid-back personality. In general, it prefers moist soil, and it needs about an inch of water per week—perhaps a little more if the weather is exceptionally warm. During the first few weeks of the growing season, keep the soil consistently moist, but let it dry out for two or three weeks before harvesting. If the soil is too wet close to harvest time, mold can develop.
- Temperature and Humidity
Given its extreme hardiness, garlic thrives during the chilly winter months. Having said that, plant your garlic around a month ahead of the first heavy frost of autumn. Furthermore, garlic does not require a specific humidity level because it is frequently harvested before the summer’s heat and humidity reach their peak.
- Fertilizer
When cultivating garlic, fertilizer use can be advantageous. When planting your garlic in the autumn, incorporate a slow-release organic fertilizer blend into the soil. Then, apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer combination to the soil around your plants as soon as the leaves start to emerge in the spring.
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