As any garlic lover knows, cooking with fresh garlic bulbs can add incredible flavor to dishes. But what if you want to grow your own garlic from seeds – can you eat those seed cloves too?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely eat garlic grown for seed purposes. However there are some notable differences between bulbs grown for eating versus seed saving.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between garlic for eating versus planting. Let’s explore the garlic seed eating question in more detail!
Can You Consume Garlic Grown for Seeds?
The garlic cloves saved for replanting are edible The variety and flavor profile remain the same as bulbs you would use for cooking.
Seed garlic may taste stronger or more pungent since the bulbs are left to mature longer, allowing the flavor compounds to fully develop. But this can be desirable for certain dishes requiring intense garlic flavor.
So feel free to sample seed cloves to check their taste and potency. Just be sure to save enough to meet your planting needs too!
Why Does Seed Garlic Look Different From Grocery Store Bulbs?
You may notice some physical differences between bulbs saved for seeds versus the specimens you find at the grocery store.
Here are the two main differences in appearance:
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Seed garlic bulbs are typically larger, with bigger individual cloves. Growers allow them extra time to fully mature and produce sizable cloves for replanting.
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The outer wrappers on seed garlic may be more brown or papery looking. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect the quality or flavor. The wrappers dry out and loosen over the longer growing period.
Does Seed Garlic Store Well for Eating?
Since the wrappers enclosing seed garlic cloves are more dried out, the bulbs do not store quite as long as eating garlic.
You can expect seed garlic to stay fresh for 4-6 months under proper storage conditions. Eating garlic lasts up to 8-10 months.
So although seed garlic won’t last an entire year in storage, it keeps long enough to be eaten and enjoyed until the next year’s crop is ready. Plan to use your seed garlic within 6 months for best flavor and quality.
Tips for Selecting Seed Garlic Bulbs
When choosing which bulbs to save for seeds, look for:
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Medium-sized bulbs with plenty of robust cloves. Larger bulbs have fewer cloves. More cloves = more plants next season!
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Hard, healthy cloves free from mold, damage or disease. Discard any compromised bulbs.
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Tight outer wrappers. Loose skins indicate shorter storage life. Prioritize bulbs with intact wrappers.
Store only the top quality bulbs with the above characteristics to ensure viable seed for planting.
Proper Storage for Seed Garlic
Follow these guidelines to store seed garlic properly:
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Keep bulbs between 60-65°F with low humidity around 60%. Avoid exceeding 65°F to prevent sprouting.
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Good air circulation is crucial. Use mesh bags or open crates. Don’t pack bulbs too densely.
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Inspect regularly and remove any bulbs showing signs of rot or disease to prevent spreading.
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Store for 4-6 months only. Plant cloves in fall before viability declines.
Adhering to these recommendations will maintain seed garlic in peak condition until planting time.
When and How to Replant Seed Garlic
Time to put those saved cloves to work! Ideal planting time is 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes in fall. This gives roots time to establish before winter dormancy.
Break bulbs into individual cloves just before planting. Gently separate cloves, keeping skins intact.
Plant the cloves 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 6-8 inches apart. Orient the tip of each clove up.
Add a 4-6 inch protective mulch layer over the bed once shoots emerge. Water periodically if rainfall is insufficient.
The Benefits of Saving Garlic Seeds
Growing garlic from your own seed stock offers many advantages:
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Save money versus buying bulbs every season
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Select specific favored varieties to perpetuate
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Adapt plants over time to your growing conditions
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Avoid introducing diseases from imported bulbs
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Enjoy a continual harvest with planned seed saving
Replanting garlic seeds enables self-sufficiency and control over your food supply.
Key Takeaways on Consuming Garlic Seeds
Here are the key points to remember when it comes to eating garlic planted for seeds:
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Seed garlic is perfectly safe and tasty to eat with a robust flavor.
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Expect a different appearance in terms of size and dry outer wrappers.
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Storage life is reduced somewhat compared to commercial bulbs.
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Choose the best bulbs from your crop to save as seeds.
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Follow proper curing, storage and planting guidelines.
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Saving seeds provides independence and gardening satisfaction!
Frequently Asked Questions About Consuming Seed Garlic
If this is your first time saving garlic for replanting, chances are you still have some questions. Here are answers to some common queries.
Does seed garlic taste different from regular garlic?
Seed garlic from the same variety tastes very similar to regular bulbs. It may have a slightly stronger flavor since cloves are given more time to fully mature.
Can I substitute seed garlic in recipes?
Absolutely! Seed garlic works great in any recipe calling for fresh garlic. Adjust amounts as needed based on the potency of your harvested bulbs.
How many seed cloves should I plant to grow enough garlic?
Plant 25-50 cloves per person to yield sufficient bulbs for eating and saving seeds the following season. Plant extras to allow for some not reaching maturity.
Is seed garlic safe to eat raw?
Yes, seed garlic can be consumed raw just like regular bulbs. It is safe when freshly harvested and properly cured and stored.
Does seed garlic have health benefits?
Yes, seed garlic contains the same nutritional qualities and compounds linked to health benefits as conventional garlic. In some cases it may be even more potent.
The Takeaway on Eating Your Garlic Seeds
Hopefully this article dispelled any concerns you had about consuming homegrown garlic seeds! Although they differ somewhat in size and appearance from commercial bulbs, seed garlic offers equally great, if not better, flavor and nutritional value.
The ability to grow a continual supply of one of the world’s most useful vegetables is rewarding. Just be diligent in saving enough quality cloves to replant, and enjoy the fruits of your harvest.
So go ahead and incorporate those seed cloves into your pesto, stir fries, hummus and more. Savor the fruits of your labor knowing you’ll have a fresh garlic crop again next season!