As we all know, garlic needs a certain amount of cold weather to build its tasty flavor and since it’s a bulb it specifically needs a particular type of climate so that it can form its proper shape as well as give the taste we like.
However, for budding hobbyist who live in warmer climates and wish to grow garlic, especially when they are heirloom plants, can certainly do so provided that they take a little care. Staying in a warmer climate can definitely be a frustrating situation but this does not mean that one should keep away from growing heirloom plants like garlic.
Garden hobbyists who live in warmer climates zones like zone seven, eight and nine will have a very tough time to grow garlic in their garden.
However, one should choose heirloom garlic varieties that grow well in such kind of climates. Heirloom garlic seeds or plants are readily available with heirloom cultivators and they specifically grow well in warmer climates.
Some varieties of heirloom garlic plants are:
- Hardneck variety
- Creoles type
- Purple marbled Stripe pattern
- Asiatic type
Although, these plants may not be available at your local departmental store but nursery or online reputable gardeners can source you its seeds.
How To Grow Heirloom Garlic?
The time to plant and grow your garlic in warmer climates can be different when compared to cooler climates. This way you can plant the garlic later in the season or can harvest it sooner. It is recommended that you choose to plant your garlic during early December or late October.
To plant the garlic take off one clove from the bulb and plant it into a well-prepared soil. While planting one must make sure that the pointed side faces upwards just like flower bulbs. It is best if you plant the clove approximately 10 inches down into the soil. While planting, keep the garlic about 8 inches apart. This will give them more space to grow and will give you higher yields.
When does your garlic grow?
For those who are staying in warmer climates, can expect their garlic to grow during the winter season. You might see the clove sprouting out small garlic greens. However, in colder climates the greens do not come up until the springtime. If you have a temperature drop do not worry about it as the plant is highly capable of handling the fluctuation.
How is the harvesting done?
The harvesting can be done during the early summer or late spring, when your garlic will start to flower. When it begins to flower you can let it flower and once the flowers dry and the leaves have turned brown in color right till the stem, it’s time to dig your garlic up. You should not prolong your harvest later than July.
Once the harvesting of your garlic has been done you can store it and save some for replanting them again in the next few months. It is not necessary that garlic need cooler climates to grow, but a little knowledge and enthusiasm will help you to grow garlic even in the warmer climates.