I. Introduction. Black garlic sprouts are a variety of garlic with a unique flavor and nutritional value. The process is slightly different from that of regular garlic seedlings, but with the right methods and precautions, it is also easy to grow healthy black garlic seedlings in a home garden or balcony pot. This article will introduce in detail the planting methods and precautions of black garlic sprouts to help readers successfully grow delicious black garlic sprouts.
2. Choose high-quality seeds.
The first step in planting black garlic seedlings is to choose high-quality seeds. When buying seeds, you should choose seeds that are full in appearance, free of breakage, and free of pests and diseases. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the seeds are from reliable merchants or brands to ensure the purity and germination rate of the variety.
3. Prepare suitable soil and containers.
Black garlic sprouts prefer to grow in fertile, well-drained soil. When preparing the soil, humus, garden soil, and river sand can be mixed in a certain proportion to provide good drainage and air permeability. In terms of containers, you can choose pots or planters of the right depth and size. Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the container to prevent water accumulation.
Fourth, soaking seeds to promote germination.
Before planting, it is recommended to soak the seeds of black garlic seedlings to promote germination. Soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours, then remove and drain. Next, germinate the seeds in a warm, moist place, wrapping them in a moist paper towel and placing them in a sealed bag. Keep the paper towel moist during germination and take care to avoid direct sunlight. Generally, after 3-5 days of germination, the seeds begin to show white and can be sown.
5. Sowing and management.
Spread the germinated seeds evenly on the prepared soil surface and then lightly cover with a thin layer of soil. After sowing, it is necessary to water in time to keep the soil moist. Place the container in a sunny place and keep it in light for at least 4-6 hours a day. In terms of temperature, it is better to keep it between 20-25 degrees Celsius. During the growth period, the appropriate amount of fertilizer is applied according to the growth of the plant, and well-rotted organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer can be used. When the plant grows to a certain height, it needs to be supported or erected to prevent lodging.
6. Pest control.
Black garlic seedlings may encounter some problems with pests and diseases during their growth. Common diseases include leaf spot, anthracnose, etc., which can be prevented and treated with carbendazim and other agents. Common insect pests include aphids, red spiders, etc., which can be controlled with insecticides. In order to prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases, it is necessary to keep the ventilation and light transmission of the plant growth environment good, and avoid excessive humidity caused by overwatering. Regularly check the growth of the plants, and take timely measures to prevent and control pests and diseases once they are found.
7. Harvesting and storage.
The growth cycle of black garlic seedlings is generally 60-90 days. Harvesting is done when the garlic leaves begin to turn yellow and wilt. When harvesting, carefully dig out the garlic to avoid damage. After harvesting, the garlic can be dried or shaded for a few days to remove excess moisture, and then stored in a cool, ventilated place. During storage, it should be checked regularly to prevent the garlic from becoming moldy or spoiling.