[JohnB47]

I planted Iberian Wight, Lautrec Wight and Solent Wight garlic about a month ago. The first two are up (about two inches of growth) but the solent aren't. I've a feeling I read somewhere that spring planting is best for solent wight but then how would they get the cold spell that people always say that garlic needs?

Should I have planted the Solent then or are they best left to next spring?

Cheers.

[mumofstig]

I've planted Solent Wight in the Autumn with no problem
I've also planted 3 varieties this year, and one of those is not up yet, but I don't think it is anything to worry about :blink:

[JayG]

This is what Marshalls say about Solent Wight:

http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/solent-wight-garlic-pid2434.html

I would go for the earlier part of their suggested planting range to give them as long as possible to grow and "feel the cold" (provided you don't need a pneumatic drill to plant them!)

[mumofstig]

The Isle of Wight Garlic Farm has this to say

December/January planting best but will crop well from end of March planting.

http://thegarlicfarm.co.uk/Solent-Wight-Seed-x-4-Bulbs-C600CBDBB9.aspx

So your planted ones will be just fine 

[JayG]

The planting time range seems to have expanded beyond six months now (beginning to wish I'd bought some myself now!) 

[compostqueen]

I do two plantings of Solent Wight, and have done the first. The next lot will go in when conditions allow after Christmas

[gobs]

Worry not! Spring planting garlic can go in in the autumn. The only misery that can happen that some rots, but they usually do not.

You would be in a pickle, if you had planted the other way around.

[JohnB47]

Thanks all. I'm sure they'll be OK - just wanted to hear peoples opinions. I might even put some more down in early spring and see how they compare at harvest time.

Reading the link that you provided, mumofstig, reminds me how confusing things can be:

"...... Autumn and spring planting though early spring is best."

and

"December / January planting best but will crop well from end of March planting."

seem to me to be conflicting statements - unless December/January has become 'early spring' now. Actually it's so mild down here, perhaps spring has arrived!

[barbarella]

Some varieties of garlic take much longer to start shooting than others.  I plant mine in autumn as they like a cold period (late September or early October). I can remember wondering if some of mine had failed last year and I think it must have been the Solent Wight.  They all came up eventually and I had a good crop by May so I am sure yours will be okay John. 

[viettaclark]

I was worrying too but they've just shown their shoots and it looks like most have germinated.......

[Salmo]

I know I have put this on before but the cold period that garlic need is only a soil temperature of less than 10 degrees C for three weeks. In the UK soil does not usually reach 10 degrees until at least Mid March. In mediteranian countries there could be a problem but not usually here.

[JohnB47]

Thanks for clarifying Salmo. There was me thinking that 'a cold spell'meant a bit of frost.

Happy Christmas all.

[Yorkie]

I and others bought solent wight from the allotment association this year (new variety for us).

Hasn't sprouted yet so we're hoping, like you, that it's a late sprouter.

[JohnB47]

Thought I'd refresh this old thread to say that all but one of my solent wight have just popped their heads up.

Although they might go back down again once they see this stormy weather.

[Yorkie]

Can you come and have a word with mine, then, please?