Messidrome

Class

Monocotyledonae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Order

Asparagales

Genus

Allium

Species

sativum

Description

Commonly known as garlic, it is a perennial plant grown as an annual that produces an edible, aromatic bulb with a strong flavour, consisting of bulbils, and is widely used in cooking to flavour dishes in many traditional recipes.

It requires a sunny position and well-drained soil.

Variety description

A plant with characteristics very similar to those of the better-known onion, particularly in terms of cultivation practices. It is a highly aromatic herbaceous species, of which the bulb is the main part used. The variety in question has an early growing cycle. This variety is white garlic with large cloves; for this reason, it guarantees excellent yields. It is strongly recommended that it be grown in sunny areas.

Curiosities and special features

Harvesting should take place when the leaves are dry and have turned a yellowish colour. Once the bulbs have been harvested, they should be left to dry for 2 or 3 days, preferably in swaths; alternatively, they can be dried using a drying process.

Origin and distribution

A bulbous species native to the region stretching from Central Asia to north-eastern Iran; cultivated since ancient times as a medicinal plant and as a culinary herb.

Leaf

The leaf blade is elongated.

Fruit

The bulb is spherical in shape and seedless, weighing between 60 and 90 g and measuring 4 to 6 cm in diameter, with a firm texture. It has an intense, fragrant aroma, a distinctive flavour and a strong, robust taste. It ripens from late spring to early summer, and its colour is uniform. This variety is characterised by good organoleptic properties and is one of the main varieties grown.

Leaf colour

The leaves are a uniform colour.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.3 to 0.8 m.

Lifespan

Bulbous herbaceous cultivated as an annual.

Where to plant

Due to its size, it is suitable for cultivation as a bedding plant , pot plant , outdoor tub, balcony, open field.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, medium to small, with a star-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to early summer, with a flowering period of between 20 and 30 days. It is attractive to bees and bumblebees.

Growth

It shows determined growth.

Plant habit

His posture is upright.

PH

The optimal pH of the substrate or growing medium for garlic varies between 5.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before planting in autumn or early winter, dig the soil to a depth of about 20–30 cm, removing any weeds and residues from previous crops, then work in organic or chemical fertiliser evenly. To ensure proper drainage of excess water, thereby preventing harmful waterlogging, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil; finally, carefully level the surface using a rake to prepare the planting furrows.

It is essential to carry out several weeding sessions during the plant’s growth cycle, as it is greatly affected by competition from any weeds present within the growing area.

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Sun exposure

Requires full sun exposure.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 °C during the vegetative phase. The temperature range within which the plant can survive is between -15 and 40 °C.

Use

A bulb that has been widely appreciated and used since ancient times in the following sectors:
Agri-food Herbs

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high hardiness.

Soil

Use fresh, high-quality potting compost specifically designed for vegetable gardening.

For growing in open ground, the soil should be loose and light, well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Difficulty

Cultivation ofAllium sativum is easy if the correct cultivation care is applied.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines to ensure a satisfactory final yield:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Intercropping/combination

Possible intercropping with carrot and radish.

Planting

Plant at an average density of 25 plants per square metre. Place the bulbils at a depth of about 5 cm, with the roots facing downwards.

Propagation

Generally speaking, either the seed harvested from the plant in the previous growing season or the offsets are used; in the latter case, it is best to choose large offsets as they contain more nutrients.

Watering

Assist the seedling in the early post-transplant stages.

Irrigate/water until the soil is completely moistened and without creating surface stagnation. Do not water the aerial part of the seedling during the evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases. It is advisable to prevent both stagnation and water stress from dryness.

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Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out a background fertilisation by uniformly burying organic or chemical fertiliser.

Then apply water-soluble fertiliser specific for horticultural crops to the soil or substrate by fertigation, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the dosages and frequencies indicated on the information label of the product purchased. Apply nitrogen through appropriate fertilisation in the early stages of bulb growth to facilitate the growth of both the bulb and the first leaves of the vegetative part. In the subsequent growth phases, provide essential elements such as sulphur, calcium and potassium.

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Edibility for humans

If harvested and stored properly, the bulb is edible.

Tip

The crop is affected by various pests which, if present in high numbers, can cause significant damage; the main ones are: flies, Chortophila brassicae and Hylenia antiqua. It will therefore be necessary, if the action thresholds are exceeded, to use appropriate treatments – particularly larvicides – in order to limit any damage. Pay close attention also to possible root diseases such as pink root rot and white bulb rot.