I've never tried to transplant garlic though I'm going to test that this year but I've grown them in a pot last year just to see what happened. The short of it is that in a pot, they will grow and get to a decent size but the heads don't size up too well ... I got a couple of rounders and a few heads that formed cloves that were in the 1-1.5" range.

In your zone, garlic really wants to go in in the fall to get the roots established for good spring growth. What I'd suggest now is try a couple in a pot just to grow it out for either planting in the fall or to use as garlic scallions and start a few in dixie cups now and transplant into the ground as soon as you can get in. That way the roots get started and they have a better chance of sizing up in the ground.

FYI, two weeks after planting in 16 oz dixie cups using standard potting soil with a temperature of 50 degrees, I've got 2" tall tops and the roots have made 1 complete circle in the bottom of the cup ... this time of year, garlic really wants to grow. Good luck.

I wonder if you could put some in a pot and then place in the refrigerator for a couple months then take out and let go, sort of like forcing tulips...I might have to give it a try with the stuff sprouting in my pantry.

Once they start sprouting, they're ready to go ... no refrigeration necessary, just some dirt and water. It's that time in our zone - the ones in the ground are rapidly catching up to the ones in the dixie cups so we'll see what happens by July.

I am pretty new to garlic too. And I was wondering when the scapes on the hardneck varieties start to form. I dont venture out to the garden much this time of year as it is still pretty dead out there, but I dont want to miss out on those scapes :)

sunnyk,

assuming you planted in the fall, scapes form in mid to late june. i think it's just a wee bit early! :) if you plan on planting in the spring, i have no idea as i always plant in the fall.

i was disappointed by the scapes last year, 1st really serious year gowing garlic. they are ok from the cut up about 3" then they get fibrous. i did not find them all that great but they are free and i hate to waste stuff. they are a pain to cut but then i had about 180 plants and not all form scapes at the same time. it does start/end over about 2-3 week time frame.

tom

Thanks Tom.
I did plant last Fall, the few times I have planted garlic has been in the Fall, but this is my first year growing the hardneck type...looks like I have a bit more of a wait on my hands. I guess I have been trying to rush Spring along this season LOL!!