Why is garlic so popular? The reasons for its demand are hidden in its valuable composition and medicinal properties. This valuable plant helps fight viral infections and harmful microbes due to the production of phytoncides. Regular consumption of garlic has a beneficial effect on blood circulation and strengthens the human immune system. Ease of cultivation has also become an advantage; today, most gardeners in Russia have this valuable crop in their garden beds. Chinese garlic has already won the recognition of many gardeners in the country. Cultivation of the plant is available in different regions of the country.
Information about the variety
The species is known to vegetable growers not only under the name Chinese garlic. It is often referred to as Mountain garlic or fragrant onion. Combining the taste of onion and garlic, the plant, originally from China, has successfully spread beyond its homeland. In 2000, it appeared in Russia. At the beginning of the 21st century, the variety managed to gain recognition in Asian markets and popularity far beyond its borders. The plant belongs to the perennial representatives of the lily family. Description of the appearance and characteristics of mountain garlic:
- Universal, shows good yield as a winter and spring species.
- There is no hard stem.
- Weak, false bulb.
- Long, narrow leaves.
- The width of the leaves is up to 1 centimeter.
- White, star-shaped branches.
- Yellow-green color of feathers when mature.
- Under favorable conditions it reaches a height of 40–50 centimeters.
- Stress-resistant.
- Cold-resistant, can withstand temperatures up to 40 degrees.
- The leaves have a short shelf life; the bulbs can be stored for up to a year.
- Small onion, diameter 1.5 centimeters.
- The number of cloves is 7–8 pieces.
- Long-lasting, pleasant aroma during flowering.
IMPORTANT! The main difference is that leaves and flowers are more often used for food.
Today, there are several of the most popular varieties of Chinese garlic:
- Aprior. The cold-resistant variety is distinguished by its productivity. According to the State Register, it is recommended for farms and home gardens. They get up to 3 kilograms of garlic per season.
- Astrologer. The leader among varieties, it stands out for its positive taste. Productivity is similar to the Aprior variety.
- Oriental. It has a rich taste and is often used as an ingredient in salads. Included in the gardening State Register of the Russian Federation.
- Spicy.The name emphasizes the taste characteristics of the mid-season variety. Has increased cold resistance. A harvest of 3.5 kilograms is harvested per square meter of planting.
Cultivation areas
The frost-resistant plant has been known to people for more than several thousand years. Its cultivation occurs in different parts of the world: Thailand, India, Mongolia, Japan, the Far East, Siberia. Garlic grows independently in the wild, and often the entire forest clearing turns green. You can meet him:
- In the meadows.
- In the hills.
- In river valleys.
- On rocky soils.
Cultivation Recommendations
Growing the plant is accessible even to novice gardeners. Seeds are often used as planting material. The second sowing option is vegetative, by separating bushes. It is more convenient to plant garlic using this method in small areas at any time, except in winter. The crop can be harvested in the year of sowing.
Seeds are planted in early March or late November. The first shoots will appear in less than a month when planting in spring and at the beginning of next spring when planting in autumn. To get the best harvest you need:
- Pre-clear the ground of vegetation and roots.
- Dig up the soil.
- Make furrows.
- The width between rows is 30–35 centimeters.
- The seed sowing depth is 1.5–2 centimeters.
- For 1 square meter of planting area you will need 1.7–2 grams of seed material.
Growing a decent harvest requires following simple rules of agricultural technology:
- Loosening the soil.
- Watering. The period of active growth requires watering 4–5 times a day; for a mature plant, 1–2 waterings are sufficient.
- Weeding.
In the first year, seed planting does not show the best results. Garlic produces 4-5 small leaves.You can dig up the harvest in late summer - early autumn. The dug up garlic heads must be dried. It is kept in a warm, dry place for 10 days, after which it is canned, used for fresh consumption and left for later sowing.
Gardeners' opinion
Good day! Growing Chinese garlic has long been my hobby. It is better to plant it in early spring. The plant is easy to care for, just watering and weeding. I prefer the seed planting method. I like to treat guests to a delicious garlic salad; they add it to meat dishes and even pies. I use arrows to navigate. I recommend it to everyone!
Ekaterina Vlasova, 53 years old
Good afternoon! For lovers of pickled garlic, I recommend trying the Chinese variety. When I saw Chinese garlic “Solo” in the supermarket, I decided to try to grow this valuable crop myself. Successfully managed to make my wish come true. Cultivation is not particularly difficult. I see the first greenish sprout in early spring; you can dig up the head as early as August. The entire green bush is used for food. I recommend!
Valeria Sarenova, 65 years old
Conclusion
Garlic is one of the most useful and valuable plants. Despite all its positive qualities, Chinese garlic can be harmful. Why? During transportation and long-term storage, it may lose its healing properties and become hazardous to health.
