Garlic is a common vegetable and an indispensable seasoning in many dishes. Apart from consumption, garlic has many other uses, such as medicinal, cosmetic, etc. However, there are times when we need to cut off the garlic, for example by cutting off the inflorescence at the top, to promote its growth. So, how do you cut garlic to grow?
First of all, we need to understand how garlic grows. Garlic is a perennial plant whose growth cycle includes two stages: vegetative growth and reproductive growth. In the vegetative growth stage, garlic mainly relies on the absorption of the root system and the photosynthesis of the leaves. Whereas, during the reproductive growth stage, garlic produces buds and flowers, and this stage is mainly for the purpose of reproducing the next generation.
When we cut off the top inflorescence of garlic, we are actually preventing the garlic from entering the reproductive growth stage. Doing so promotes the growth of the root system and leaves of the garlic, making it more lush. Here's how:
Choose the right time. It is best to prune in spring or autumn, when the temperature is right, the garlic grows faster and recovers faster after pruning.
Choose healthy garlic plants. Only healthy garlic plants can recover their growth better, so carefully check the growth of garlic plants before pruning and choose healthy ones for pruning.
Cut off the apical inflorescences. Use scissors or a blade to cut off the top of the inflorescence, taking care not to cut too deep to avoid hurting other parts. After pruning, the remaining inflorescences on the plant should be cleaned so as not to affect the appearance and health.
Proper fertilization and watering. Pruned garlic needs plenty of nutrients and water to restore growth, so it can be properly fertilized and watered to promote its rapid growth.
It should be noted that the pruning of garlic is not a simple matter and requires certain skills and experience. If pruning is not done properly, it can cause damage or poor growth. Therefore, it is best to know the relevant knowledge and techniques before pruning, or consult a professional.