Garlic - Glenlarge (Early Purple) Bulbs

Garlic - Glenlarge (Early Purple) (2 Bulbs, 200g, 400g, 1kg)

Allium sativum
NOT to WA & TAS

Contains approximately 15-18 bulbs per kg. As garlic bulbs are a natural product with inherent size variation, the exact number of bulbs may vary. All packs are weighed to ensure you receive the full stated weight, with loose cloves included where necessary to achieve the precise weight.

Glenlarge is an Australian-bred subtropical variety developed at Queensland's Gatton Research Station. These day-length neutral bulbs thrive in warm climates without requiring cold winters. Teardrop-shaped bulbs produce 6-12 cloves with white skin and purple blotching. Enjoy sweet, true garlic flavour with richer, spicier notes, excellent raw or gently sautéed. The 5.5- to 6.5-month growing cycle allows autumn planting with a late winter harvest. Stores exceptionally well for 7-9 months when properly cured.

Growing Guide

Glenlarge was specifically bred for Australia's subtropical and warm temperate regions, making it one of the most reliable varieties for Queensland and northern NSW home gardeners. Released in 1988, this day-length neutral cultivar revolutionised warm-climate garlic growing by eliminating the cold vernalisation requirement that limited other varieties.

Climate & Site Selection Glenlarge performs best in regions with mild winters and warm to hot springs. Unlike traditional garlic varieties requiring freezing temperatures, this cultivar thrives in Australian subtropical and warm temperate zones. In cooler southern states like Victoria, Tasmania, and southern SA, grow Glenlarge successfully in greenhouses where winter temperatures remain moderate.

Select a position receiving full sun (6-8 hours daily). Glenlarge tolerates heat well but requires excellent drainage. Avoid low-lying areas where water pools after rain, and steer clear of sites previously affected by fungal diseases.

Soil Preparation Begin preparing beds 3-4 weeks before planting. Glenlarge prefers loose, friable soil rich in organic matter. Work in well-aged compost, cow manure, or mushroom compost to 20-30cm depth. The ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0-7.0. In heavy clay soils, create raised beds 15-20cm high to ensure adequate drainage—this is crucial in subtropical regions with summer rainfall.

Add a complete organic fertiliser or aged chicken manure at the rate recommended on the packet. Avoid fresh manures, which can burn developing roots and introduce diseases.

Planting Plant Glenlarge cloves in late March to mid-April in subtropical regions, or early autumn in warm temperate zones. For greenhouse cultivation in cooler areas, plant mid-March for a late August/early September harvest, or plant September/October for a March harvest—Glenlarge's unique characteristics allow two crops annually under protected cultivation.

Separate bulbs into individual cloves within 24 hours of planting, selecting only the largest, plumpest cloves from healthy, disease-free bulbs. Discard any soft, damaged, or undersized cloves. Plant cloves 5-8cm deep with the pointed end facing upward. Space cloves 15cm apart in rows 30cm apart. This generous spacing accommodates Glenlarge's large bulb size and ensures good air circulation.

In raised beds, you can plant approximately 45-50 cloves per square metre. For a family of four using garlic regularly, 50-100 cloves typically provides ample harvest.

Watering Consistent moisture is essential during the growing season, particularly in the first 8-10 weeks when leaves are actively developing. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly, providing 25-30mm of water each time. Deep watering encourages strong root systems that support larger bulb development.

In subtropical regions, monitor summer rainfall carefully. While Glenlarge tolerates heat, excessive wet-dry cycles can stress plants. Mulch heavily to maintain even soil moisture.

As bulbs begin maturing (typically early-mid August), reduce watering frequency. When lower leaves start yellowing, cut back to light watering only if conditions are exceptionally dry. Stop all watering 2-3 weeks before planned harvest to allow bulb skins to toughen and improve storage quality.

Fertilising Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser 4-6 weeks after planting to fuel leaf growth. Each leaf produces one layer of bulb wrapper, so vigorous foliage growth in early stages translates to better-protected bulbs. Blood and bone, fish emulsion, or aged chicken manure work well. Apply at manufacturer's recommended rates, watering in thoroughly.

Make a second application 8-10 weeks after planting. Once bulbs begin forming (usually late June in subtropical regions), switch to a potassium-rich fertiliser. Wood ash, potash, or complete organic fertilisers with higher potassium ratios support bulb development without encouraging excessive top growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers late in the season, as they delay bulb maturity and reduce storage life.

Mulching Apply 5-8cm of organic mulch immediately after planting. Sugar cane mulch, pea straw, or lucerne hay work excellently in subtropical regions, suppressing weeds while moderating soil temperature. Mulch also reduces moisture loss during hot, dry periods and prevents soil splash onto leaves during heavy rain—reducing fungal disease risk.

Keep mulch pulled back 2-3cm from stems to prevent collar rot. Refresh mulch mid-season if it has decomposed significantly.

Pest & Disease Management Glenlarge shows good disease resistance but benefits from preventive practices:

Thrips: These tiny insects cause silvery streaking on leaves. Monitor regularly, spraying with organic insecticidal soap if populations build. Ensure adequate watering, as stressed plants attract more thrips.

Rust: Orange-brown pustules on leaves indicate rust fungus, common in humid subtropical conditions. Ensure excellent air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves promptly. In severe cases, apply organic copper or sulphur sprays according to label directions.

White rot: This soil-borne fungal disease causes yellowing foliage and rotting bulbs. Prevention is critical—practice 3-4 year crop rotation, avoid planting garlic where onions, leeks, or shallots grew recently, and never plant in areas with previous white rot infection.

Timing Considerations Harvest timing is critical for Glenlarge. This variety needs careful monitoring as it matures relatively quickly (5.5-6.5 months) compared to cold-climate varieties. Check plants regularly from late July onwards to catch the optimal harvest window before bulb skins split—a common issue if harvested late.

Harvest & Storage

When to Harvest Glenlarge typically matures in late August to mid-September when planted in late autumn, offering one of the earliest harvests among garlic varieties. The relatively short 5.5-6.5 month growing cycle makes it ideal for gardeners wanting fresh garlic before other varieties are ready.

Timing harvest correctly ensures maximum bulb size and optimal storage life. Harvest too early and bulbs remain small with underdeveloped cloves; too late and the protective outer skins split, exposing cloves to disease and dramatically reducing storage potential. Glenlarge requires particular attention to harvest timing as the bulb skins can split more readily than some varieties if left too long.

Visual Indicators of Maturity:

• Lower 3-5 leaves have turned yellow or brown and died back
• Upper 5-6 leaves remain green (not fully died back)
• The pseudostem (false stem) feels slightly softened when gently squeezed
• Bulb wrappers are papery and intact when checked

Testing for Readiness: About 2-3 weeks before expected harvest, carefully excavate soil from around one bulb without lifting it. Check that:

• The bulb has reached full size with well-defined cloves
• The characteristic teardrop shape is evident
• Wrapper layers are developing but haven't split
• Individual cloves are plump and firm

If these conditions aren't met, cover the test bulb and check again in 5-7 days. Once one bulb shows readiness, check several others—Glenlarge typically matures uniformly across the planting.

Harvesting Method Choose a period of dry weather with at least 3-5 days of sunshine forecast. Avoid harvesting if heavy rain is expected, as wet conditions promote fungal diseases during curing.

Stop watering completely 2-3 weeks before harvest. This allows plants to begin natural curing in the ground, toughening bulb skins and concentrating flavours.

On harvest day (preferably mid-morning after dew has dried):

1. Loosen soil around bulbs using a garden fork, working 10-15cm away from plants to avoid piercing bulbs
2. Gently lever soil upward, breaking the root zone
3. Grasp stems close to the bulb (not at the top of foliage) and lift carefully
4. Shake off loose soil—don't wash bulbs or bang them together
5. Lay bulbs gently in harvest crates or on a tarp, keeping them shaded
6. Transport immediately to the curing area

Handle bulbs with extreme care. Any bruising, cuts, or damage provides entry points for diseases and shortens storage life significantly.

Curing Process Proper curing transforms fresh garlic into the shelf-stable bulbs you'll use for months ahead. This process dries the outer wrapper layers, seals the cut stem, and allows flavours to mature and mellow.

Setup: Hang bulbs in bunches of 5-8 plants or lay them in single layers on wire racks or wooden pallets. Never cure garlic in direct contact with concrete or solid surfaces—air must circulate completely around each bulb.

Location: Choose a well-ventilated area protected from rain and direct sunlight. Ideal locations include:

• Covered verandas with good cross-breeze
• Open sheds or garages with windows/doors open
• Purpose-built drying racks under shade cloth
• Carports with mesh sides

Duration: Cure Glenlarge for 3-4 weeks. In humid subtropical conditions, allow the full 4 weeks or slightly longer if weather has been particularly wet. The curing process is complete when:

• Outer skins are papery dry and rustle when touched
• Stems have shrivelled to 20-30% of their fresh diameter
• Roots are completely dried and brittle
• The neck (where stem meets bulb) feels firm and dry when gently squeezed

During Curing: Check bulbs every few days, removing any showing signs of mould, softening, or rot. Discard damaged bulbs to prevent issues spreading. If afternoon storms threaten, move bulbs undercover temporarily.

Cleaning & Preparing for Storage Once fully cured:

1. Trim roots to 5-10mm from the bulb base
2. Cut stems 2-3cm above the bulb (or leave 20-30cm for braiding)
3. Gently brush off any loose soil or damaged outer wrapper layers
4. Remove the outermost papery layer only if dirty or damaged—leave as many protective layers as possible

Sort bulbs into three categories:

• Premium storage: Large, perfectly formed bulbs with intact wrappers
• Immediate use: Any bulbs with minor damage, small size, or split wrappers (use within 4-6 weeks)
• Seed stock: The very largest, most perfect bulbs for next season's planting

Storage Conditions Glenlarge stores exceptionally well for 7-9 months when conditions are optimal:

Temperature: 10-15°C is ideal. Avoid storage areas exceeding 20°C, which accelerates sprouting. A cool pantry, cellar, or air-conditioned storage room works well.

Humidity: 60-70% relative humidity prevents both excessive drying (which causes cloves to shrivel) and moisture buildup (which encourages mould). Avoid kitchens where cooking creates humidity spikes.

Light: Store in complete darkness. Light exposure triggers sprouting and can cause cloves to develop a bitter, green interior.

Air Circulation: Good airflow prevents moisture accumulation. Use mesh bags, wooden crates with spacing between slats, hanging braids, or woven baskets. Never store in plastic bags or airtight containers.

Storage Methods:

• Mesh bags: Hang from hooks in a cool, dark pantry
• Wooden crates: Stack with spacing between layers for airflow
• Braided strings: Traditional and space-efficient for longer-stemmed bulbs
• Wire baskets: Allow excellent air circulation from all sides

Maintenance During Storage Check stored bulbs monthly:

• Remove any bulbs showing softening, sprouting, or mould spots immediately
• Gently squeeze bulbs to check firmness
• Look for green shoots emerging—these bulbs should be used promptly or replanted
• Discard any bulbs with strong off-odours indicating internal rot

Saving Seed for Next Season Select the largest, most perfectly formed bulbs from your harvest immediately after curing. These should have:

• Tight, intact wrapper layers
• No signs of disease or damage
• Large, well-separated cloves
• The characteristic teardrop shape

Store seed bulbs in optimal conditions (cool, dark, dry) until 2-4 weeks before planting. Separate seed bulbs into cloves only 24-48 hours before planting to maintain vigour. Plant the largest cloves for maximum yields next season.