Growing Garlic

Allium sativum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P    

(Best months for growing Garlic in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant cloves

September: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

October: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

  • Easy to grow. Plant cloves. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 12 cm apart
  • Harvest in 17-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Dill, Tomatoes, Parsnips
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Beans, Brassicas, Peas, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
09 Apr 17, Christo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to plant 6 hectares garlic in Swartruggens erea north west province under drip irrigation. Can I plant till end of April.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Apr 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could plant garlic into early may as well. It may be advisable to discuss your proposal with your local Agriculture Department so you can get the best yield from a venture of this size. They should also be able to advise you on water saving as well.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Mar 17, Fadeela (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
What type of soil does garluc need to be planted ? D
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic will respond to good soil in an open position. It generally likes cooler climates but can be planted in April or May as the weather starts to cool. Keep watering consistent and harvest late in the year.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Mar 17, Hannah (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Sydney, When will be good time to grow garlic ?
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Mar 17, Jonno (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic is normally planted as the season cools down and is harvested in late December. It likes a sunny spot but dislikes competition from weeds so keep it well mulched. Consistent watering is also important for the best yield.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Mar 17, Dianne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I have tried growing garlic a couple of times now. Generally I plant on the 23 March and harvest 23 June. First few times garlic was small except for a couple decent sized ones. Last year, I ended up with one large bulb only, on each plant; almost like a small onion. What would cause this to happen?
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Mar 17, Verena (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Dianne I am in a sub tropical area too and I plant late April/May and harvest in November when leaves start to die down. Perhaps you are harvesting to early?
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Mar 17, ivy wambi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where near I stay can I buy seedlings of garlic I 'am in tembisa (kempton park). am a small holding farmer.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Mar 17, Leonora (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Livingseeds Heirloom Seeds P.O.Box 1421 Henley-on-Klip 1962 Tel: 016 365 3873 or 0731417101 orders@livingseeds.co.za Elouise or Sean Give them a call. Very helpful.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 451 - 460 of 906 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Garlic

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.