Spring and winter garlic: what are the differences? We understand and choose the preferred option for ourselves

  • Nov 06, 2021

Spring garlic bulbs are usually small. There are 12-30 teeth, they are arranged in a spiral. Spring garlic does not have a solid trunk in the center. Its pulp is dense, so it can be stored for a long time without losing its beneficial properties. The plant can propagate exclusively with the help of cloves.

Garlic. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Garlic. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Garlic. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Winter garlic always has a large onion. It has up to 6 teeth. They are all the same size and shape. In the center there is a dense trunk, which is visible after the separation of the cloves. You can propagate winter onions with parts of air bulbs or chives. The varieties are characterized by a waxy coating and a rich, pungent taste. The spring plant has a semi-sharp taste. The pungency depends on the essential oils inside the plant.

Characteristic differences

Winter garlic can tolerate low temperatures. It is planted in the autumn without any problems. This can be done several weeks before hard frosts. Spring garlic dies at sub-zero temperatures. It can only be planted in the ground heated to 6 degrees Celsius.

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Garlic. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Garlic. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

Care features

The spring variety needs moist soil, but excess moisture can turn into decay. For good yields, loamy soil is suitable, which is enriched with organic fertilizers. Before planting, you need to moisten the ground. Hot and dry weather slows down maturation.

Winter garlic loves sandy loam soil. After planting, two weeks later, you need to add humus or peat. The soil must be dry so that the low temperature does not lead to the death of seedlings. You can cover plants with non-woven fabric.

Keeping quality

Spring garlic has good keeping quality. It can be stored for up to two years. Even a room with room temperature will do. The maximum storage time for winter garlic is 6 months. But the bulbs often dry out very quickly and lose their properties. The winter variety is stored only in a cool room.

Storing garlic. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com
Storing garlic. Illustration for this article is used under a standard license © ofazende.com

How much garlic is stored

Spring garlic can be stored indoors at a temperature of 1-3 degrees Celsius. The winter harvest is preserved where the temperature is not higher than 4 degrees Celsius. You can enjoy the latter until about January.

It is impossible to give a specific answer as to which of the varieties of garlic is better. Each has its own pros and cons. If you have a priority in safety, then it is better to choose the spring option.

For conservation, it is recommended to plant winter garlic. Some people believe that the spring option is more useful, but there is no evidence for this.

Read also: What can not be done when pickling cabbage? We analyze the main mistakes

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