At its inception, the South African Garlic Growers’ Association (SAGGA) compiled a document that explores the process of the cultivation of garlic. It is constantly update to reflect modern consumer trends, new cultivars and future research projects.
Garlic (Allium sativum) belongs to the Alliaceae family, the same family as onions, shallots and leeks. Garlic production is a process that involves planting, soil preparation, irrigation, harvesting, pest control and weed management. There are two types of garlic that are grown throughout the world, which are ‘hard neck’ and ‘soft neck’ types.
Hard neck garlic (the ophioscorodon variety of allium sativum) has a ‘scape’ (long stalk from the root) which coils from the top. A number of bulbs, mistakenly called ‘garlic flowers’, grow at the top of the coil.
Hard neck garlic has fewer cloves and less of an outer bulb wrapper than soft necks, which makes them more sensitive and reduces their shelf life. Soft neck garlic (alluvium sativum var. sativum) is more common.
This is the variety that is found in almost all supermarkets. It’s easier to grow and plant and it has a longer shelf life than hard neck garlic. Soft neck garlic has a white papery skin, a flexible stalk and multiple glove layers around the central core.
Regardless of type, cultivated garlic plants don’t produce seed, but are propagated vegetatively and therefore no exchange of genetic material can occur between garlic strains.
In the northern areas of South Africa, garlic is planted from February to April and in the southern part, it’s done from mid-April to mid-May. Cloves should be planted 50mm deep on raised flowerbeds or flat ground preferably with the root end down.
Soil prepared with high organic matter is preferred but garlic can grow in a wide range of soil types. Furrow, sprinkler or drip irrigation can be used for garlic growth and weed management is essential. Pests and viruses often hinder the growth of garlic, so care should be taken to avoid this.
Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes as an anti-inflammatory, it is also believed to lower blood pressure and control cholesterol lev...