| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cloves rot instead of rooting | Water level too high or stale water | Ensure only the base touches water; change every 2 days |
| No roots after 7 days | Bulb treated with sprout inhibitor | Use organic garlic or farmer’s-market bulbs |
| Green shoots turn yellow | Not enough light or overwatering | Move to a sunnier spot and reduce watering |
| Mold on cloves | Poor air circulation or unclean water | Rinse cloves and container; refresh setup |
| Small bulbs | Crowded pots or lack of nutrients | Space cloves wider apart; add compost or bone meal |
How to Multiply Garlic from Bulbils
If you grow hardneck varieties, you’ll notice curly flower stalks called scapes.
At the tip of each scape, tiny garlic “bulbils” may form. These are miniature cloves that can be replanted!
- Harvest bulbils when they start to dry.
- Plant them in trays or pots with light soil.
- They’ll grow into small “rounds” the first year, and full bulbs by the second.
This is another long-term way to maintain a self-sustaining garlic patch.
Bonus: Speed-Rooting Trick Using Garlic Water Spray
Once you have rooted cloves, save the leftover soaking water – it’s rich in natural growth hormones. Use this garlic-infused water to spray other plants. It acts as:
- A mild natural fertilizer (contains sulfur and trace minerals).
- A pest deterrent (repels aphids, mites, and fungal gnats).
Nothing goes to waste, and your entire indoor garden benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I root garlic from the grocery store?
Yes, as long as it’s not chemically treated to prevent sprouting. Choose firm, unblemished bulbs—preferably organic.
2. How long does it take to grow full bulbs in containers?
Usually 90–120 days, depending on variety and temperature.
3. What’s the best season to start garlic?
Garlic prefers cool weather for early growth and warmth for bulb formation.
- In temperate climates: plant in fall for summer harvest.
- In warmer regions: start in late winter or early spring.
4. Can garlic grow hydroponically?
Yes! Once rooted, garlic can grow hydroponically with nutrient solution, though bulbs stay smaller. It’s great for harvesting continuous greens.
5. Why is my garlic not forming bulbs?
This usually happens when the plant doesn’t get enough daylight hours or the container is too shallow. Ensure at least 6 hours of light and use deep pots.
Why You’ll Love Growing Garlic This Way
- Zero waste: Every clove becomes a new plant.
- Compact: Perfect for apartments and small spaces.
- Low-maintenance: Minimal watering, no special tools.
- Quick results: Roots form within days; shoots appear fast.
- Satisfying: Watching your garlic multiply never gets old.
Once you see those white roots and green shoots emerging, you’ll understand why so many gardeners call garlic the ultimate beginner-friendly crop.
Rooting garlic quickly is not just a gardening trick – it’s a powerful reminder of how easy self-sufficiency can be.
With a handful of cloves, a jar of water, and some patience, you can enjoy unlimited home-grown garlic for cooking, natural remedies, and even pest control.
