Seed garlic is garlic sold and handled for planting rather than simply for eating. Garlic is propagated vegetatively: each planted clove can produce a new bulb, so the condition, identity, and adaptation of the planting stock matter.
Is Seed Garlic Actually Seed?
In ordinary garden use, “seed garlic” means bulbs intended to be separated into cloves and planted. It is not botanical seed. Because cloves reproduce the parent variety, named cultivars can be maintained from one generation to the next.
Why Use Garlic Intended for Planting?
- The variety and garlic type are identified.
- Growing and climate information is available.
- Bulbs have been selected and handled as planting stock.
- You can choose traits such as cold adaptation, storage, clove size, scapes, or flavor.
No planting stock is guaranteed free of every possible pest or pathogen. Inspect bulbs on arrival and follow supplier storage and planting instructions.
Can Grocery Store Garlic Be Planted?
A sound grocery clove may sprout, but it is a less predictable choice. The variety and production region may be unknown, it may not be adapted to your winter conditions, and storage or handling can affect sprouting. Grocery bulbs are sold for food, not selected to help a gardener match type, climate, and planting schedule.
What to Look for Before Planting
- Firm bulbs and cloves
- Intact basal plate where roots emerge
- No soft decay, mold, severe bruising, or unusual odor
- Correct variety label
- Bulb size suitable for separating into sound planting cloves
Should You Plant the Largest Cloves?
Within a healthy bulb, larger sound cloves generally have more stored reserves and are often preferred for planting. Clove size is only one factor; variety, timing, soil, spacing, water, weeds, and crop health also influence the final bulb.
When to Separate Cloves
Keep bulbs intact during storage and separate them close to planting time. Handle cloves gently, retain the papery wrapper when possible, and plant each clove with the root end down and pointed end up.
Choose Planting Stock
- Shop seed garlic
- Match varieties with the Garlic Selector
- Plant garlic cloves: depth, spacing, and steps
- Complete garlic growing guide
Seed Garlic Selection Resources
Use the Garlic Variety Guide to compare types and cultivars before choosing planting stock.
2 comments
Nancy, you can keep your potatoes in a cool, dry dark place until you are ready to plant. If the potatoes make sprouts, that is ok, you are just ahead of the game. Before planting, cut up the potatoes into pieces with about 2 eyes or sprouts on them. Potatoes can be planted when the soil is around 45F and nighttime temps stay about that. You may be able to plant them now since you live on the coast.
I just received my seed potatoes. I live on the central coast of CA, just south of San Luis Obispo. When can I put my seed potatoes in the pots I plan to plant in? How do I store them until then?
Thanks much.