Garlic — An easy-to-grow kitchen staple producing flavour-packed bulbs perfect for cooking. Ideal for vegetable gardens, raised beds and pots, garlic rewards gardeners with a generous harvest and long storage life.

Garlic Purple                                                                                                                                                     

Botanical Name: Allium sativum

Position: Full sun with good air circulation.

Climate: Suitable for cool, temperate, Mediterranean and dry climates. Frost tolerant.

Planting Time: Autumn to early winter.

Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil evenly moist while plants are actively growing. Reduce watering as bulbs mature and stop watering one to two weeks before harvest.

Flowering Time: Primarily grown for its edible bulbs rather than flowers. Harvest is typically ready 6–8 months after planting.

Fertilising: Incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting. Apply a balanced fertiliser during active growth, avoiding excessive nitrogen which encourages leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Pests: Aphids, onion thrips, snails and fungal diseases such as rust may occasionally occur. Ensure good airflow and avoid overcrowding.

Growing Tips: Plant individual cloves with the pointed end facing upwards and the flat end down. Use the largest cloves for the biggest bulbs and source quality seed garlic rather than supermarket garlic. Harvest when around half the leaves have yellowed and dried, then cure bulbs in a dry, airy location before storage.