In May and June, winter garlic enters a key phase of development — the formation and filling of the head . It is at this time that the size of the cloves, their density, and their ability to be stored for a long time are laid.
Unlike April, when the plant needed nitrogen for leaf growth , during this period potassium and phosphorus play the main role , and the amount of nitrogen should be limited.
🌱 What elements does garlic need?
In May-June, garlic needs:
- Potassium – improves the filling of the head, makes the teeth dense
- Phosphorus — supports root system development and nutrient accumulation
- Minimum nitrogen — so as not to stimulate excessive feather growth
⚠ If you continue to actively apply nitrogen, the plant will “drive out the tops”, and the head will form weakly.
🧪 Effective nutrition (with clarification of the norm)
The best option during this period:
👉 Potassium monophosphate – 10–15 g per 10 liters of water
(this is approximately 1 tablespoon without a slide , but it is better to focus on grams)
This fertilizer is quickly absorbed, does not contain chlorine, and immediately provides the plant with phosphorus and potassium in an available form.
📅 How to fertilize properly
- First feeding – early May
- The second one – in 2–3 weeks
- Water at the root on moist soil
- The best time is evening or cloudy weather.
👉 For foliar spraying, the solution is made weaker:
5–10 g per 10 l of water
✂ Important point: removing arrows
Winter garlic produces shoots in May. They should be removed when they grow to 10–15 cm.
✔ This allows nutrients to be directed towards head formation
✔ On average, this can increase yields by 20–30%
❗ What will happen without feeding?
If you ignore this step:
heads are formed small
teeth become loose
keeping quality decreases