(pre-order) Tibetan Garlic Bulbils

• Growing from bulbils takes at least 2 years to get full-sized bulbs. Depending on the variety and on the growing conditions, it could take up to 4 years.
  
  
• Several methods can be used from pots, trays, beds, open field or greenhouse. All will produce garlic bulbs as long as the bulbils are harvested, sorted, stored, go through vernalization (<5°C for flowering), and re-planted. But not in the same soil twice. Alliums (onion family) should not be grown in the same place in consecutive years.
  
  
• Prepare the soil for planting by ensuring your soil is suitable for growing garlic – get your soil tested, add the needed amendments and nutrients (garlic are heavy feeders), build raised beds for good drainage (garlic doesn’t like having wet feet).
  
  
• In the fall, a month or so before the first freeze, plant bulbils in rows about 1” deep. Sprinkle the bulbils into the row half an inch to an inch apart, depending on the bulbil size (smaller bulbils = tighter spacing while bigger bulbils get more space).
  
  
• Cover with mulch before it frosts or snows. Mulch can consist of grass clippings, finely shredded wood, straw, We use all three depending on availability and who last cut the grass.
  
  
• The bulbil leaves will sprout in the spring and will look like blades of grass. Thanks to your efforts in keeping the rows straight when you sowed the bulbils, you’ll be able to distinguish between bulbils and what isn’t bulbils. Weed accordingly.
  
  
• Keep soil moist through the growing period (bulbils are planted shallow and have small root systems so prone to drying out) and harvest at about the same time as garlic (mid-July) when the leaves turn brown and dry out.
  
  
• Select the biggest and best bulbils for storage (mesh or paper bag but not plastic) over the summer in a cool, ventilated area until ready to plant in the fall. Vernalize in the fridge or freezer for a week or two. Hardneck garlic grows better with a cold boost. Plant bulbils with 4” – 6” spacing in a new location on a well-amended raised bed. This time, plant them with the tip up and roots down 2” to 3” deep. Mulch 1” to 3” deep.

See resources for further garlic growing information:

Rasa Creek Farm; Seeds of Diversity

100% Canadian Grown. Non-GMO. Certified Organic by: