What causes garlic bulbs to split open and cloves to scatter

Garlic is one of our common seasonings. Its bulb is wrapped in multiple layers of skin, so the cloves do not easily split apart. However, if the wrapping leaves decrease, the cloves will burst through the skin as they swell, causing the bulb to crack and the cloves to scatter. So what causes this? Let's take a look at the detailed explanation below.

1. Variety reasons

There are many varieties of garlic. Some varieties have a thinner outer skin of the bulb, while the cloves are relatively plump and thick, so the cloves are prone to scattering during harvest or storage.

2. Improper sowing time

If sowing is too early, the plant will show premature aging when the garlic bulb swells, which will cause the leaves to turn yellow and withered and the outer skin of the bulb to dry up early, and the cloves are very likely to burst through the outer skin as they swell, resulting in cracking and scattered cloves. If sowing is too late, there will be fewer leaves during flower bud differentiation, and the cloves are also very likely to burst through the garlic skin when the bulb swells.

3. Improper field management

About half a month before garlic harvest, if too much water is applied, or if there is more rainfall, low-lying plots with good drainage will accumulate water. In an environment with high soil temperature and high humidity, the seed coat wrapping the garlic cloves is very prone to rotting, forming scattered cloves.

4. Excessive groundwater level

When garlic is planted in plots with a high groundwater level and overly heavy clay soil, because the soil has poor permeability and good drainage, the seed coat is very prone to rotting, leading to scattered cloves. This is the same as not draining water in time during the rainy season.

5. Improper harvest time

If garlic scapes are harvested too early, or if the scapes break off from the base when harvested, causing the garlic bulb to become hollow, scattered cloves are also very likely to occur; if the garlic bulbs are harvested too late, the outer skin is relatively thin, and when the soil moisture is relatively high, the seed coat [rotting] makes the garlic bulbs very prone to cracking.

The above is an introduction to the causes of garlic bulbs splitting open and cloves scattering. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.