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
28 Jun 14, Ash (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I am from Phillip Island and are wondering would there be a problem if I planted garlic 2 weeks after the fall and what type is suggested. Thanks Ash
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Jul 14, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ash, You could try getting some garlic heads from Diggers - they're on Mornington peninsula, so they should have some garlic that is well acclimatised for your area. I usually put the whole garlic head on a saucer of water on the kitchen bench to "wake up" the roots. After a day or so there are usually little roots starting, then I carefully separate the cloves and plant them. Good soil and enough water, and you should be picking garlic in early summer.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Jun 14, nico nagel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have a plot in vanderbijlpark. Will the garlic still grow if I plant it early in august?
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Jun 14, Phil Metter (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I planted garlic that had sprouted visible green shoots at the beginning of winter (April) they have withered. Will they regenerate themselves in the spring /summer? I live in Gauteng.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Apr 15, Ric Langley (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic does not regenerate. Now is the time to plant or start with new seed garlic at this time next year.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Apr 15, dennis (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would also like a reply to the above question.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 May 14, Tumelo Racoco (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can i get the garlic?
Reply or Post a new comment
31 May 14, Craig (Australia - temperate climate)
If you are buying garlic in the supermarket only choose australian or they will not sprout. the aussie garlic is purple/white the chinese will not sprout as they are treated for pests and insects. They do not grow as large as the foreign products but if you use a liquid vege feed and a bit of seaweed liquid you cant miss out. Be patient, they take a good 6 months just have a small dig and see if they look big enough. usually as the stems die off they are done but they are also great to cook with and it wont hurt if you cut a few.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 May 14, Osman (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
1. When is the best time to plant garlic to Northern Kenya 2. How long will it take from the planing date to the harvesting date 3. What type of Garlic is the best to plant in Northern Kenya I will appreciate your answers please Thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
23 May 14, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown garlic a few times but am disappointed with the size of the cloves that I get. Do the plants need to have regular watering (ie keep moist) and do they need to be fertilized regularly. What type of fertilizer is best for garlic. My cloves are about half the size of commercial garlic.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 561 - 570 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.