Why Garlic Cloves Separate: Warm Winter Sprouting

A gardener who has grown garlic for years found that this season’s harvest produced cloves that were not encased in a single bulb but separated individually. The likely cause is an unusually warm winter that triggered premature sprouting. Once garlic begins to sprout, its storage life shortens dramatically and it does not freeze well unless processed.

Gardening expert Daryl Pulis recommends using the sprouted garlic immediately—roast it for a rich, mellow flavor or chop and freeze it mixed with a little olive oil for later cooking.