Is this rust?

[mysteryduck]

I’m planting out some garlic bulbs I bought in a mixed bag. Is this rust? Should I bin them? I don’t want it to spread to the others!

[Penellype]

I'm not an expert on garlic as I don't much like it, but those certainly look as though they have something the matter. I would be safe and bin them.

[bramble]

Not rust, just bad patches.

[mysteryduck]

Thank you both! I’m going to take both of your comments on board. I’ll assume they’re fine and haven’t passed anything onto the other garlics in the bag. But chuck ‘em because the dodgy bits are scarily orange. Lots of bulbs to spare in my bag of random garlic

[Aberdeenplotter]

I agree that it isn't rust. It looks to me as if the bulbs have been scratched or scraped and the abrasions on the bulbs have simply healed themselves. Rather than chuck them, why don't you plant the bulbs up in a large pot and set them in a corner of the garden away from everything else. Shop bought garlic doesn't compare to home grown and if you have plenty at the end of the season it's nice to be able to share with friends or neighbours.

[mysteryduck]

That sounds like a plan Aberdeenplotter! I'm on board