Last year I planted (2004) 50 cloves to experiment with trying to properly grow garlic. We bought
seed garlic ("music" is the variety-hardneck). I prepared the soil in September and planted in October, 8" on center one straight row. They were mulched with straw and let to winter over. They did start to sprout before the ground froze and started
growing again in March (2005) right through the mulch.When the scapes came along I had the same question cut or not to cut. Definitely cut! The
plant will put it's energy into the bulb rather than producing a
flower head. The scapes are great to eat fresh, steamed, sauted, flavor olive oil. Last October we put in approx. 1500 cloves or 40 lbs. worth.
it is
growing fantastic. I did put in 10 elephant cloves for this years harvest (as big as a baking
potato each). We have gotten our
seed cloves at the "Hudson Valley Garlic Festival" in Saugerties NY (good take).
ranger