Garlic bulbs in stem

[justpete]

What are the small bulbs growing in the stem of my garlic?

I've seen them before but not sure what causes them

 

[NwMtGardener]

Those are garlic scapes, the seed pod of the garlic. Most people will pinch them off when you first notice them. You can eat the scapes, they're like a strong onion/garlic green, so you could saute them, put them in salad, whatever.

 

[justpete]

These are right in the main stalk about 2" from the ground. I thought the scapes came out of the top of the plant.

 

[NwMtGardener]

Oh. Guess i shouldnt have just assumed where these bulbs are scapes are at the top, almost very end, so not that...i dunno!

 

[lesa]

Can you take a pic? I have had a scape start at the bottom like you are describing. Is it just on one or two plants, or all?

 

[HunkieDorie23]

They are bulbils, I am guessing that they are soft neck garlic. Soft neck garlic do not produce bulbils unless they are under stress. This year weather is very stressful because of the heat and dry weather. I have a couple of mine that did that as well. You can use them like garlic... eat them or plant them. If you plant them they will be a single bulb next year called a round, then you can plant it again and it will become a full size head of garlic. at way. A lot of people prefer to grow their garlic that way because by not being in the dirt they are disease free.

If you google them you will find out lots about how to use them.

 

[justpete]

They do look just like the bulbils that form on the scapes

I'll try to get a picture posted up.

They are on about 10% of the plants.

Thanks for the help.

 

[HunkieDorie23]

They do look just like the bulbils that form on the scapes

I'll try to get a picture posted up.

They are on about 10% of the plants.

Thanks for the help.

I have some too. Soft neck garlic typically do not form them unless they are under stress (like this year) and then they form in the stem because they don't flower on the tops.