(pre-order) Mixed Garlic Bulbils

All our Bulbils are 100% Canadian Grown, Processed-by-Hand, Non-GMO, Certified Organic, and Open Pollinated. From our 10 acre Seed Farm in Metchosin, BC since 2004.

Quick Notes

• A mix of hardneck garlic varieties with diverse flavours
• Free from soil-borne diseases as they are "false seeds"
• Hardy and cold-tolerant, perfect for northern climates
• Perennial (grows back each year if left in ground)
• Easy seed saving ✅

About Mixed Garlic Bulbils

A selection of hardneck garlic varieties, each with unique flavours and growing characteristics. These bulbils, which grow from the umbels (flower heads), are not seeds in the true biological sense but clones of the parent plant. This ensures they are free from soil-borne pathogens and perfect for starting a sustainable and diverse garlic patch.

This mix includes a variety of flavours, from bold and spicy to mild and sweet, making it ideal for garlic lovers seeking to explore different culinary uses. Hardneck garlic varieties are also known for their robust performance in cold climates, making them a reliable choice for Canadian gardeners.

Companion plants like carrots, beets, spinach, and chamomile pair well with garlic, deterring pests and improving soil health.

Where Can You Grow Mixed Garlic Bulbils

These garlic bulbils thrive in well-draining soil with full sun and are suitable for Zones 2-9. They are perfect for garden beds, raised beds, or large containers. Mulching is recommended to protect young plants and retain soil moisture.

History and Historical Uses

Garlic has been cultivated for thousands of years, valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. Hardneck garlic varieties, which thrive in colder climates, have a long history of cultivation in northern regions. Mixed garlic bulbils bring together this rich heritage, offering a variety of flavours and uses, from hearty dishes to traditional remedies.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 8-9: Plant bulbils in late autumn (October to November), about one month before the first freeze. Garlic will sprout in early spring and mature by mid to late summer.
• Zones 5-7: Plant in October, before the first freeze. Harvest in late July or August the following year.
• Zones 2-4: Plant before the first freeze and mulch heavily to protect the bulbils during harsh winters. Harvest from late July to early August.

How to Grow Mixed Garlic Bulbils

1. Planting: In the fall, plant bulbils 2.5cm (1in) deep and 1-2cm (0.5-1in) apart. Cover with 5-7.5cm (2-3in) of mulch to protect them over winter.
2. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season.
3. Weeding: Weed carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow root systems.
4. Harvesting: Bulbils will sprout in spring, and mature garlic can be harvested mid-summer when leaves begin to brown.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Choose the Best Scapes: Allow some flower stalks (scapes) to develop fully until bulbils mature.
2. Harvest: Once scapes dry and the bulbils begin to loosen, cut and collect them.
3. Dry and Store: Clean the bulbils and spread them to dry for 2-3 weeks in a cool, airy space. Store in paper bags or mesh containers in a dry location.

How to Propagate Garlic from Bulbils

Growing garlic from bulbils takes patience, requiring 2-4 years to produce full-sized bulbs.

• Year 1: Plant bulbils shallowly (1in deep) and allow them to grow into small rounds or immature bulbs.
• Year 2-4: Replant the largest rounds in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with proper spacing (10-15cm/4-6in apart). Mulch heavily and harvest when mature.

Certified Organic by

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)