Growing garlic from bulbils, which are inside the plant's flower umbel, is rewarding. A bulbil is a small, young garlic that is reproduced vegetatively from axillary buds on the parent plant's stem. These young plants are clones of the parent plant that produced them. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Sourcing Garlic Bulbils
Garlic bulbils are small, seed-like structures that form on the garlic flower head. They can be obtained by allowing garlic plants to flower and develop bulbils. Alternatively, you can also purchase garlic bulbils from garden supply stores or online.
🛒 Garlic Bulbs 🛒
Bulbil Selection
Choose healthy and mature bulbils for planting. Look for plump and firm bulbils with no signs of damage or disease.
Preparing the Planting Container
Select a container that has drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the container with well-draining potting soil or a mixture of equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite.
Planting the Bulbils
Push the bulbils gently into the soil, pointy end up, at a depth of about 1 inch. Space them around 2 inches apart to allow proper growth.
Providing Optimal Growing Conditions
Place the container in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Garlic prefers cooler temperatures, ideally around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, but not overly saturated. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Water the garlic when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizing
Garlic bulbils don't require heavy fertilization, especially during their early stages. However, you can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half the recommended strength every 3-4 weeks once the plants have established their roots.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Monitor your garlic plants regularly for signs of pests like aphids, mites, or fungal diseases. If detected, treat them promptly with organic insecticidal soap or appropriate methods.
Remember, growing garlic bulbils indoors might not produce large bulbs like traditional garlic cloves, but it's a great way to propagate and enjoy garlic in smaller quantities!
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