Most hardneck garlics are 'topsetting' in that they pruduce bulblets on the flower scape rather than flowers. Perhaps the topsets of these garlic are larger than for other garlic (which grow into a clove sized bulb the first year and a full head the second - making it a slow way to get garlic).

Last year I had several leek plants produce bulblets on their flowers as well, it must be a fairly common thing for alliums to do. Bulblets were definitely easier than seed for the leeks. It will be interesting to see if bulblet grown leeks produce lots of bulblets themselves.

How long will it take the bulblets to produce usable garlic?

thanks,
Dean

couple of seasons.

Interesting.
I would just use those tiny bulbet in cooking, if I ever get some. I use wild onion bulbets same way.

Allowing the flower stalk to grow and produce bulblets reduces the size of the garlic head in the ground, if you don't have a use for the bulblets it's better to cut the flower stalks. The stalks can be eaten, are mild flavored and tender when young.