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Genetics of Fall Plating vs. Spring
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Posted by oregon_veg 8 (My Page) on Fri, Jan 12, 07 at 11:47
If I take a fairly large type (like Kettle River Giant) and plant it in the spring, most people say it will produce a slightly smaller bulb. I can live with that. But here's my question. If I then plant that bulb in the fall, will it produce the large bulb again?
I guess I'm just wondering if there is something genetic in the bulb that gives it its size and by plantin it in the spring, it somehow restricts its ability to produce. Then are we able to to re-tap into it by providing the right conditions.
Am I making sense?
I ask because I DO have some KRG that didn't get planted this fall and I plan on spring planting it. I did get some of it into the ground though. So if noone knows the answer, I guess I'll have it figured out next year when I can compare.
Tom
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Genetics of Fall Plating vs. Spring
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I am finding each time I plant my bulbs back I get slightly larger each time. It could be because I have more large cloves to plant or my garlic maybe acclimating to my area over time.
Just keep planting your choisest cloves. |
RE: Genetics of Fall Plating vs. Spring
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| Not a question of genetics, more a question of culture, in this case growing time. As you plant in October, the clove will root before the frosts set in, even it if does not grow a shoot before spring. This extra growing time will grow a larger bulb. Hardnecks especially also need a period of winter cold to produce well. Smaller bulbs caused by spring planting are a one time effect on that crop that particular year. It is cultural not genetic. They will grow larger again if grown better. Similarly, if it is too dry, bulbs will grow smaller (but with more concentrated flavour!) and with more moisture they will grow larger again the following year. |
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