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Garlic oddity?
Old timer2
Posts: 65
in Talkback
I planted my garlic cloves as usual in October last year. The plants have grown strongly with still green stems approx the thickness of a 10 pence coin, the best I have ever had. I lifted a couple to use and found there were none of the usual cloves at the base. They actually resemble small leeks. The type grown was Provence Wight obtained from a reputable company and a type I have previously grown with good success. Has anyone else come across this sort of unusual growth? Incidently they still taste good but am I rushing things before they mature properly.
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It might have not been cold enough during last winter in the spot you planted them. As far as I'm aware they need a good cold spell to trigger the formation of cloves. It's a fairly common problem if you do a web search.
A bit early for harvesting, no?
I had the same thing last year, but just on a few of mine. They were like one big round clove. I didn't think I had harvested them early, though, as I've grown them a few years. Now this year, I am not so sure. The garlic had the requisite number of brown and green leaves, but the cloves are covered with a skin that is pretty thick and not very dry. The bulbs are fully formed and beautiful, but I had to use a few before fully curing since last years' harvest is gone. Cracking into them was the only way I could tell. Is this a sign of harvesting a bit early too?
Bumping up
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.