Garlic
We mainly trade in the “Egyptian white” as well as “Giant garlic” and “Solo Garlic” market sector which can be white, purple or pink color.
Our South African partners grow for mainly two slots through the year – September to December and February to March. We would love to increase and broaden our local supply base by partnering up with the best garlic growers in South Africa.
Nutritional Benefits
Garlic is loaded with good-for-you vitamins and minerals like manganese, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and other antioxidants, including allicin. The health benefits of garlic have been recognized for centuries, ever since the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed it to treat all kinds of illnesses.
The plant
The plant has roots that protrude from the base of the bulb that are made up of between 6 and 12 cloves. The stem is relatively short, about six centimetres long, and extends to just above the ground.
From there the flat grass-like leaves extend about 15 to 20 cm above ground. The leaves are similar to but are slightly different from onion and leeks in that they are flatter whereas the other Alliums have more rounded leaves.
Soil type and pH
The best soils are sandy loam soils with good drainage and with a pH of 6 to 7. Soils should be rich in organic matter. If required mix manure or compost in well before planting when preparing and levelling the area for planting. The ground should be ploughed to a depth of about 20 cm deep. This preparation also controls the weeds in the topsoil.
Growth period
Five to six months from planting.
Irrigation
Applying mulching is always a good practice to reduce weeds and retain soil moisture. Water requirements will vary for different soil types and for differing weather conditions. Garlic is susceptible to moisture stress because of its shallow roots. It is therefore imperative to have a consistent system to check soil moisture content in the top 30 cm of soil to reduce this risk. This can be done with a neutron probe, a soil tension meter or where this is not possible then manually with an augur or spade.
Pests
Thrips, Nematodes, Cutworms, Pink stalk borer
Diseases
Downy mildew, Brown Rust, Fusarium rot, Penicillium mould, Pink Root rot and Leaf Blight.
Fertilisation Timing
Have your soils analysed to ascertain fertility and nutrient requirements.
While preparing the soil for planting and ploughing in the compost and manure you can include some chicken manure as a preplant fertilizer.
The planted garlic cloves will use the reserves within the clove to push its first roots and sprout the first leaves. About 14 to 21 days after planting, broadcast (spread) between 500 and 800 kilograms per hectare of 3:2:3 (a mixture of Nitrogen, Phosphates and Potassium) over the planted area. This will then be available to the newly rooted and sprouted garlic cloves and is essential for good root and leaf development, which in turn ensures healthy development of a good-sized garlic bulb.
Sowing and Planting Time
Garlic planting can be any time from late February to May.
Planting Method
The garlic cloves are planted on raised beds of about one meter wide or on flat land that has been levelled to ensure good drainage. The garlic bulbs are peeled, and the cloves are carefully separated from each other. Choose strong healthy cloves for planting to ensure uniform bulb production. Furrows that are five centimetres deep are drawn by tractor at the desired spacing.
Fresh from the Kitchen
using Garlic
Pull Apart Garlic Bread
Easy homemade pull apart garlic bread. This savory recipe is made from scratch dough with tasty buttery flavor and the perfect herbs. Perfect addition to every party, gathering or meal.
Garlic & Parsley Butter Snails
You want some really good crispy/crunchy French bread to dip up all the melted garlic butter with after eating the escargot. Don’t leave any of that butter on the plate; it’s too good.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy garlic chicken recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food! Tender chicken breast smothered in a creamy garlic sauce is irresistible. Garlic lovers unite!
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