14/02/2022
Soft neck garlic
Artichoke and Silver skin variety garlics are considered to be the soft neck
garlics also known as the common garlics. Soft neck garlic is primarily the
one found in most grocery stores.
Hard neck garlic
Porcelain, Purple Stripe, and Roca bole types are hard neck garlics. They are
considered to have more flavor and to be more gourmet tasting than softnecks. However, hard necks typically do not store as long as soft necks.
Temperature
Garlic thrives well in warm climates but it can survive winter temperatures.
Most of the conditions that are suitable for the production of onions are also
suitable for garlic. The suitable growth temperature for garlic is 13 to 24 °C.
The plants are also influenced by temperature and day length.
Rainfall
Garlic is sensitive to moisture stress throughout the growing season. Any
periods of dry soil conditions, especially during bulging will result in yield
reductions. Where enough rainfall is not available, then irrigation is a
requirement for this crop to provide satisfactory yields.
Soil requirements
Garlic grows best in well drained fertile soils that are high in organic matter.
Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure into heavy soils will result in the
soil being friable and suitable for production. Malformation and difficulty when
harvesting bulbs may result when garlic has been planted in heavy, clay soils.
The optimum soil pH for garlic is between 6 and 7. Before planting, the soils
should be well tilled to provide a loose growing bed for bulb development. The
soil must be kept evenly moist because dry soil will cause irregularly shaped bulbs.
Soil preparation
The soil should be prepared far enough in advance in order to eliminate
perennial weeds, adjust pH, nutrient and organic matter levels if needed, and
remove any soil obstructions. Ploughing should be to the depth of 15 to 20
cm. It can then be harrowed and left in good tilth. The surface should be well
