What To Know
- As garlic matures, it produces a scape, a flowering stalk that emerges from the center of the bulb.
- It has a milder flavor compared to the cloves and is often used in stir-fries, salads, and pestos.
- Garlic is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the leaves start to turn brown and the bulbs are fully developed.
Garlic, a staple in many cuisines, is known for its distinct flavor and health benefits. But one question that often arises is whether garlic grows above ground. While the answer may seem straightforward, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Let’s delve into the world of garlic cultivation and uncover the truth behind its growth patterns.
Garlic’s Underground Abode: The Bulb
Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, belongs to the lily family. It is a bulbous plant, meaning its underground storage organ, the bulb, serves as a food reserve. The bulb is composed of multiple cloves, each encased in a papery skin. These cloves are the primary edible part of garlic and are used in various culinary preparations.
Garlic’s Above-Ground Presence: The Scape
As garlic matures, it produces a scape, a flowering stalk that emerges from the center of the bulb. The scape is a hollow, cylindrical stem that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It bears small, white or purple flowers arranged in an umbel, an umbrella-like cluster.
Edible or Not? The Culinary Dilemma
The scape is edible and can be incorporated into various dishes. It has a milder flavor compared to the cloves and is often used in stir-fries, salads, and pestos. However, some people may find the scape’s texture fibrous and prefer to remove it before cooking.
Garlic’s Growth Cycle: A Seasonal Symphony
Garlic is a cool-season crop, thriving in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. It typically requires a growing season of 180 to 210 days. The plant goes through several stages during its growth cycle:
1. Planting: Garlic is planted in the fall, around September or October, in the Northern Hemisphere. The cloves are planted pointy side up, approximately 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
2. Winter Dormancy: During the winter months, the garlic remains dormant underground, protected from the cold weather.
3. Spring Growth: As temperatures rise in the spring, the garlic begins to sprout. The scape emerges, followed by the leaves.
4. Flowering: The garlic plant flowers in early summer. The flowers are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of seed pods.
5. Bulb Formation: After flowering, the plant’s energy is directed towards bulb development. The cloves swell and mature underground.
6. Harvest: Garlic is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the leaves start to turn brown and the bulbs are fully developed.
Factors Influencing Garlic’s Above-Ground Growth
While garlic primarily grows underground, certain factors can influence the development of the scape:
1. Variety: Some garlic varieties, such as hardneck garlic, are more prone to producing scapes than others, like softneck garlic.
2. Climate: Garlic grown in warmer climates tends to produce longer scapes compared to those grown in cooler regions.
3. Soil Conditions: Garlic prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Poor soil conditions can hinder scape development.
4. Fertilization: Adequate fertilization, particularly with nitrogen and potassium, can promote scape growth.
Harvesting and Storing Garlic
1. Harvesting: When the leaves start to turn brown and the bulbs are plump, it’s time to harvest garlic. Gently dig up the bulbs using a garden fork, taking care not to damage them.
2. Curing: After harvesting, the garlic should be cured to improve its storage life. Curing involves hanging the bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for several weeks.
3. Storage: Once cured, garlic can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 8 months. Keep the bulbs dry and free from moisture to prevent spoilage.
Culinary Uses of Garlic Scape
1. Fresh: The scape can be used fresh in salads, stir-fries, and pestos. Its mild flavor adds a subtle garlic note to dishes.
2. Pickled: Pickling the scape is a great way to preserve it and enjoy its unique flavor throughout the year.
3. Roasted: Roasting the scape brings out its sweetness and caramelized flavor. Roasted scapes can be added to pizzas, pasta dishes, and roasted vegetable platters.
4. Garlic Scape Pesto: A delicious and versatile condiment made by blending garlic scapes, olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Summary: Unraveling the Mystery of Garlic’s Growth
Garlic’s growth patterns are a fascinating blend of underground and above-ground development. While the bulb, the edible part of garlic, resides underground, the plant produces a scape, a flowering stalk that emerges above the ground. The scape is edible and can be incorporated into various culinary preparations. Understanding garlic’s growth cycle and the factors that influence scape development can help gardeners and home cooks make the most of this versatile plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: Can I plant garlic cloves from the grocery store?
A: While it’s possible to plant garlic cloves from the grocery store, they may not be as productive as cloves specifically grown for planting. Grocery store garlic is often treated with chemicals that can inhibit sprouting.
2. Q: How can I prevent garlic scapes from forming?
A: Removing the scape early on can prevent it from developing fully. However, scape removal may slightly reduce the size of the garlic bulb.
3. Q: Can I eat garlic leaves?
A: Garlic leaves are edible and can be used in cooking. They have a milder flavor compared to the cloves and can be added to salads, stir-fries, and soups.
