Allium sativum
Allium sativum
Garlic
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Taxonomy
Family Amaryllidaceae · Genus Allium
Common Names
Garlic
Context
nativeRegion
Central Asia, likely near northeastern Iran and western Turkmenistan.
usdaZones
4–9 (grown as annual or short-lived perennial).
companionPlants
Carrots, Tomatoes, Roses, Fruit trees, Lettuce
culturalUses
Widely used in culinary traditions worldwide; valued for flavor and medicinal properties (antimicrobial, cardiovascular health).
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun is ideal for best bulb development, but it can tolerate partial shade.
WateringModerate watering; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during growth, reduce watering as bulbs mature.
SoilWell-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6-7).
FertilizerApply a balanced fertilizer at planting and mid-season. Excess nitrogen may reduce bulb formation.
HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity to prevent fungal diseases.
TemperatureOptimal growth in cool to mild temperatures (13–24°C, 55–75°F); vernalization (cold exposure) may be needed for bulb formation.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitHerbaceous perennial grown as an annual crop for bulbs.
Mature Size30–60 cm (12–24 inches) tall.
Growth RateModerate; bulbs typically mature in 6–9 months after planting.
BloomingRarely blooms when grown for bulbs, as harvesting is done prior to flowering; produces small white to pinkish flowers if allowed.
DormancyBulbs enter dormancy after leaves yellow and dry post-harvest.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of cloves (vegetative), Seed (rare, mainly for breeding)
DifficultyEasy via cloves; seed propagation is uncommon and challenging.
Best SeasonPlant cloves in autumn (temperate zones) or early spring (cold climates).
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove flower stalks (scapes) to enhance bulb size in hardneck varieties.
RepottingNot typically required; grown as an annual crop.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to onion maggot, nematodes, white rot, rust, and fungal diseases. Practice crop rotation and hygiene.
ToxicityGenerally safe for humans, but toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in quantity.
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