THE BRAIDING BUNCH
Product Description:
Garlic is shipped only in the fall—September through mid-October, depending on the season and the variety. Quantities are limited; order early for best availability. Sorry, not available to Idaho, US Territories, or Canada.
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Key Features:
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Key Features:
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Customer Reviews
I just got done making 6 garlic braids from this same bundle that I bought this time last year. I grew strawflowers this year, solely to add into my garlic braids. Anyway, everything grew, looks fantastic, braided beautifully. And, I just ordered again for this year . . . .
First time ordering garlic seed from TS and it's my last time. I ordered hardneck as well and Thank God they were good but the only type of garlic I was able to salvage from this bundle was Italian Late. I threw the rest in the trash. The polish and susanville was rotted or very soft and I didn't feel comfortable planting them in my garlic. I could have called and requested replacements but honestly with the amount that was rotten, I decided it was not worth it. This is my first complaint for TS as my other purchases of seeds are all great quality.
Sorry to hear that was your experience with our garlic - that is definitely not the norm! We offer a 100% guarantee on all our products, and on 11/14/23 issued you a refund for the Braiding Bunch garlic. If there's anything else we can do, please let us know.
| Seed Depth | 2-3" |
| Seed Spacing | 6" |
| Cloves per Bulb | Hardneck: 5-10; Softneck: 6-18 |
| Cloves per Pound | Hardneck: 40-65; Softneck: 50-90 |
Folklore is rife with tales of garlic's ability to bestow strength and courage, treat a vast array of disease and infections, and to ward off evil. Modern day medicine has shown this remarkable food to be powerfully effective at boosting the immune system, supporting cardiovascular health, and fighting cancer.
Hardneck Garlic: Allium sativum subsp. ophioscorodon Cloves grow in a single circle around a central woody stem. These varieties also produce, or attempt to produce, a flower-like stalk. What makes these garlics stand out is the range and quality of flavors they exhibit. Hardneck garlics typically have a shorter storage life than softnecks.
Softneck Garlic: Allium sativum subsp. sativum These varieties produce cloves in several layers around a soft central stem. Approximate cloves per pound can vary based on seasonal conditions and the variety. These easy-to-grow garlics are excellent in the kitchen and usually have the best storage qualities. Great for braiding.
Elephant Garlic: Allium ampeloprasum Not a true garlic, these enormous bulbs have much milder and sweeter flavor than garlic, as it's related more closely to a leek. Elephant garlic is planted 6-8 inches apart and covered with 4-6 inches of soil.
Culture
• Garlic thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0
• Work in 1 inch layer of compost, 1/2 cup of bone meal, 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet
• When spring growth begins: water to keep the soil slightly moist and fertilize with Age Old Grow or TSC's Complete fertilizer
• As harvest approaches: water less to avoid molding or staining
• Hardnecks: cut off any flowering stems (scapes) at the top leaf to redirect energy to the bulb; scapes can be used like green onions
Direct Sowing
• In Northern regions, garlic is best planted by the end of October, or 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes
• Southern regions may plant as late as March
• Separate the cloves of garlic just prior to planting, keeping as much skin on as possible
• Plant cloves pointed end up
• Mulch with clean straw or leaves to 4 inches
Pests & Diseases
• Common pests: onion thrips, stem & bulb nematodes
• Pest control: Pyrethrin, 5–7 year crop rotation
• Common diseases: Gray mold/Botrytis, rust
• Disease prevention: 5–7 year crop rotation, avoid soggy soil
Harvest & Storage
• Harvest when the top 4-5 leaves are slightly green and lower leaves are dry
• Begin checking for mature bulbs in late June
• Each green leaf represents one layer of covering over the bulb in the ground
• Tie the plants in small bundles and dry in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated location for about 3-4 weeks
• After curing is done, cut foliage and roots from bulbs and store in mesh bags
• Softnecks: you can keep leaves on and braid the whole plant