May is a key period for growing garlic. Right now, experienced gardeners are making a simple intervention, thanks to which the canes are significantly larger and stronger. Just remove the flower stalks in time and the plant will put its energy where it is most needed.
At first glance, garlic may look undemanding, but it is during late spring that a few small steps decide how rich the harvest will be. As soon as the garlic begins to form flower stalks, the formation of flowers takes away a large part of their strength. Gardeners therefore recommend picking the flowers as soon as possible. The plant then does not waste energy on seeds and concentrates on growing underground. The result tends to be larger, stronger and more aromatic sticks.
Proper pruning of garlic in June can encourage the growth of larger and stronger cloves at harvest. Watch the following video to learn when and how to properly trim garlic:
The right moment decides the size of the harvest
The flower stalk usually begins to appear in late May or early June. You can easily recognize it by its long green shoot, which gradually curves into an arch. Once it starts curling, it’s the perfect time to remove it. It is the timely breaking of the flower that helps the garlic to form much larger sticks.
It is best to simply break off the stem by hand or cut it off with scissors a few centimeters above the leaves. So there is no need to wait for it to grow completely. The sooner you remove it, the more nutrients will remain in the onion underground. If the flowers remain on the plant, the garlic will begin to use energy mainly for the formation of flowers, and the underground part may remain smaller.
Many experienced growers claim that the difference is really visible. after breaking the flowers, it often produces stronger cloves and stores better. Thanks to this, the plant concentrates all its strength in the underground part, which is the most valuable for the grower.
Garlic also needs additional care
In addition to plucking the flowers, it is important to keep the bed clean and hoe it regularly. Garlic does not like competition from weeds, which take moisture and nutrients from it. The soil should remain airy and slightly loosened so that air can reach the bulbs well.
But the topping is also important. During the period of intensive growth, garlic needs plenty of moisture, but remember that it does not like overwatering. However, as soon as the harvest starts to approach, watering is reduced.
A small intervention that makes a big difference
Picking off garlic flowers only takes a few minutes, but it can significantly affect the final harvest. Whoever does not underestimate this simple step now will see bigger and healthier sticks. And that is why experienced gardeners do not allow it every spring.
