Can I Plant Store Bought Garlic That Has Sprouted?

Garlic is a popular and versatile ingredient in many cuisines around the world. It is also known for its numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease. If you have store-bought garlic that has sprouted, you may be wondering whether you can plant it and grow your own garlic. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some tips on how to grow garlic.

What Causes Garlic to Sprout?

Garlic bulbs are dormant until they are exposed to the right conditions for growth. When garlic is stored in a warm and moist environment, it can begin to sprout. The sprouts will grow from the central stem of the garlic bulb and will eventually produce leaves.

Can You Plant Store Bought Garlic That Has Sprouted?

The short answer is yes, you can plant store-bought garlic that has sprouted. In fact, sprouted garlic is often used for planting because the sprouts indicate that the bulb is still fresh and viable. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting sprouted garlic.

First, it is important to separate the individual cloves from the bulb before planting. Each clove will produce a new garlic plant, so it is important to plant them separately. It is also important to plant the cloves with the pointed end facing up and the flat end facing down. This will ensure that the roots will grow downward and the leaves will grow upward.

Second, it is important to plant sprouted garlic in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Garlic prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It is also important to provide the garlic with plenty of sunlight and water.

How to Grow Garlic

Growing garlic is easy and rewarding. Here are some tips to get you started:

Plant garlic in the fall or early spring.

Separate the cloves from the bulb and plant them with the pointed end facing up and the flat end facing down.

Plant the cloves in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

Provide the garlic with plenty of sunlight and water.

Harvest the garlic in mid-summer when the leaves begin to turn yellow and the bulbs have formed.

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful garlic from your own garden.

In Conclusion

Planting store-bought garlic that has sprouted is a great way to grow your own garlic. Make sure to separate the cloves before planting and plant them with the pointed end facing up and the flat end facing down. Give the garlic plenty of sunlight and water, and harvest when the leaves begin to turn yellow in mid-summer. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful garlic from your own garden.