Doukhobor Russian Garlic Bulbils

Doukhobor Russian garlic is a Rocambole garlic variety introduced to Canada by the Doukhobors, who were expelled from Russia and Ukraine for their pacifist beliefs. Each bulb of this garlic has 8-12 cloves covered by light brown, easily peeled skins. The bulbs can produce 5 to 25 bulbils, with most capable of forming complete, though small, bulbs in their first year.

When cultivating Doukhobor Russian garlic, it’s crucial to ensure the soil isn’t waterlogged and to choose a sunny location, using a raised bed if dealing with heavy clay. This garlic type has wide leaves and scapes that form tight double loops. Harvesting occurs early to mid-season, and it’s essential to monitor the bulbs closely because their thin, loose wrappers are prone to rapid deterioration if left in the soil too long. This variety has a storage life of about 4-5 months.

The lineage of this garlic can be traced to Jim Miller, who initially received the bulbs from the Doukhobors in Glade, BC. Later, Bertie van der Mark of Lumby, BC, passed them to Rasa Creek Farm in 2013.

Growing garlic from bulbils is a rewarding process but requires patience since it can take 2-3 years to get full-sized bulbs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow garlic from bulbils:

What You Need

Garlic bulbils (small seeds produced in the garlic scape or flower head)
Well-drained soil
Garden bed or containers
Mulch (like straw or leaves)

When to Plant

Best Time: Plant garlic bulbils in the fall (late September to October) to allow them to establish roots before winter. However, they can also be planted in early spring.

Steps for Planting Garlic Bulbils

Prepare the Soil:
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil.
Work in organic matter like compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.

Plant the Bulbils:
Plant the bulbils 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep with the pointed end facing up.
Space them 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) apart in rows that are about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) until the ground freezes in colder climates.

Mulching:
Add a layer of mulch (like straw or leaves) after planting, especially in colder regions. This helps insulate the bulbils during winter.

Overwintering:
The bulbils will develop roots in the fall, remain dormant over winter, and resume growth in early spring.

Growing Stages
First Year: In the first year, the bulbils usually form small, single-clove rounds instead of full garlic bulbs.
Replanting: Harvest these rounds in summer and replant them in the fall. The rounds will grow into full bulbs by the following summer.

Care and Maintenance
Keep the bed weed-free and water as needed during the growing season.
If planting in the spring, the garlic may need more consistent watering since it misses the natural winter moisture.

Harvesting
Bulbils planted in the fall will be ready to harvest in mid to late summer.
Look for yellowing leaves and loosen the soil to carefully pull the rounds or small bulbs.

Tips
Garlic grown from bulbils is less prone to disease and can be used to propagate a new, healthy crop.
The process from bulbils to fully mature garlic bulbs takes about 2-3 years.

Growing garlic from bulbils requires time and care, but it’s a great way to expand your garlic crop while maintaining healthy plants!

Garlic bulbils can be planted in the spring, but this is less common and has some key differences compared to fall planting:

Growth and Development: When planted in the spring, garlic bulbils will typically produce smaller rounds (single-clove bulbs) instead of full multi-clove bulbs. These rounds can be replanted in the fall to produce mature garlic bulbs the following season.

Longer Growth Period: Spring-planted bulbils may need more time to mature since they miss out on the winter cold that triggers the vernalization process (required for forming larger bulbs).

Harvest Time: Spring-planted garlic is generally harvested later than fall-planted garlic, typically in late summer or early fall.

For gardeners looking to speed up the process, it’s recommended to plant garlic bulbils in the fall, as it leads to larger, more developed bulbs in a single growing season.

Garlic bulbils can remain viable for planting for about 1 to 2 years if they are stored properly. Here’s what you need to know:

Storage Conditions: For the best viability, store bulbils in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Ideal temperatures are around 10-15°C (50-60°F).
Moisture Levels: Keeping bulbils dry is key. High humidity can lead to mold or premature sprouting, reducing their viability.
Signs of Decline: Over time, garlic bulbils may lose their ability to sprout effectively. If they become soft, shriveled, or show mold, they may no longer be viable.
For optimal results, it’s recommended to plant bulbils within the first year after harvest. However, with proper care, they can still sprout successfully in their second year.

These bulbils are sourced directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals, located in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection includes heirloom and heritage varieties, all organically grown without chemicals.