Garlic ( * Allium sativum * ) is one of the oldest plants civilize by human being . Affectionately make out as " the stinking rose , " this perennial veggie , herb and running food for thought originated from a wild species autochthonic to Asia and is now naturalize throughout Europe and accommodate to U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zone 3 through 8 . With relatively modest climatic conditions and a longsighted growing season , USDA zona 6 works well for growing garlic .
Step 1
Three basic types of garlic exist : soft neck garlic ( Allium sativum var . sativum ) , hard cervix Allium sativum ( Allium sativum var . ophioscorodon ) and giant ail , also bang as elephant Allium sativum ( Allium ampeloprasum ) . Although all three will uprise in USDA zone 6 , some perform better in certain region within this zone . For case , soft cervix varieties , such as ' California too soon ' ( Allium sativum’California betimes ' ) arebest suited to the moderate climate of southerly regions in zone 6 , whilehard neck opening types , such as ' Purple Italian ' ( Allium sativum’Purple Italian')thrive in the cold winters and nerveless springs typical of land northof line of latitude 37 degrees . Elephant garlic , which is in reality a type of Allium porrum ( Allium ampeloprasum ) and not a unfeigned ail , is tumid but less stalwart and good adapted to the mid - Atlantic and southerly regions within zone 6 .
Step 2
Site Preparation
Garlic needs asunny position and organically productive , well - drained soilwith a pH level between 6 and 7 . arenaceous or loam territory is preferred , but heavy clay stain is fine if remedy with compost or manure at a pace of 100 pound per 100 square foot . To fertilize , work a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 slow expiration granular plant food into the top 3 to 4 column inch of grime at a charge per unit of three pounds per 100 square foundation .
When to Plant
Although ail can be set in former winter or early spring , fall planting yield bigger and more flavorful bulb . Garlic should be planted after the first icing andfour to six weeks before the footing freezes , generally mid - October for most locations within USDA zone 6 . Garlic take a cold point to sprout , however , so if you live in a southern realm within geographical zone 6 and temperature remain above 40 degree Fahrenheit , refrigerate lightbulb for two or three weeks before planting .
Planting Garlic
A few days before planting , break bulb apart by hand but do not peel . flora cloves pointed end up 4 column inch deep and 5 to 6 column inch asunder . Top off with 3 to 4 inch of mulch consisting of leaf litter , compost or stubble . H2O the site to be sure the mulch stays in station .
Continued Care
Remove mulch in spring after the risk of frost has passed , which is mid - May in geographical zone 6 . tough neck ail make a flower stalk or shaft , which should be cut back ( or cook ) because they decoct bulb size . Keep plants evenly moistwhile they are producing medulla oblongata and leaf by watering every three to five mean solar day in May and June , more often if conditions are very ironic . Garlic grown in zone 6 isready to glean between June and July , indicated by browning of the lower half of leaves .
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