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 50°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 5 inches 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

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09 Jun 18, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I live in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. I would like to know if I can plant garlic, tomatoe and green pepper now that it is mid-june?This is my first time to plant vege.
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09 Jun 18, Juping (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How and when do you grow garlic from seeds? I live in Wellington. Thank you.
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02 Jul 18, Cathrine (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Wellington and have garlic growing currently from clove. I like growing things from seed but growing from clove is far more efficient if it’s for a kitchen garden. I opted for organic garlic from Commonsense. Plant directly in situ pointed end up into a 5-7cm deep hole, July is ok, takes about 6 months before ready to harvest.
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25 May 18, vivien pietersen (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Looking to start producing garlic and live in Eastern Cape (stutterheim). Would appreciate knowing the best variety to grow.. is shade cloth needed... many thanks
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23 May 18, Bill Govender (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
II live ion the north coast of KZN. When can I plant garlic for home use
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15 May 18, Jodie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can garlic grow in pots
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16 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Garlic has fairly shallow roots, but it is important to make sure they have plenty of room to stretch out in the soil. Choose a pot that is at least 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Half barrels and wooden crates work well, but you certainly do not need to buy a container for your garlic. The large black plastic containers that trees come in are a great choice, as are contractor buckets. Whatever container you use, make sure that it has drainage holes in the bottom. Place the container in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day. Research on the internet.
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11 May 18, Tom Court (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi i have just recieved some garlic seed from China what is the best time to plant the seeds. I live at Napperby up north from Adelaide, about 17 km east of Port Pirie. Cheers Tom Court.
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14 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Seeds or bulbs. Never grown garlic but I would grow it from the bulbs - a lot quicker I think. Go on the internet and read up about it. They had a good TV show on garlic last weekend on ABC Gardening Australia. Check their website - probably a video of it. A saying plant shortest day of year and harvest longest day of the year.
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27 Mar 19, Gerry (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Yes to garlic. I've been growing it on Long Island for 25 years and plant in late October-early november
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Showing 361 - 370 of 915 comments
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Heres an answer for garlic, I grow about 300 plants a year and get good results with about 90% of the cloves coming in at 5cm in diameter plus. Season. Garlic takes up to 9 months to mature. Plant in autumn, late March to May, harvest November to December. Clove selection. Plant only the largest cloves, at least the size of your top thumb joint, I have big hands so I plant cloves 2- 2.5 cm across. Its easy to eat the biggest and the best, its better to plant the biggest and the best. Spacing. I plant 15 - 18 cloves per square metre, 25cm apart in rows 25 cm apart. With 30 cm + paths between 4 rows. It's easy to crowd them, and the yield in terms of weight may be much the same, but bigger garlic are a lot more fun and much easier to use in the kitchen. Sunlight. Whilst garlic can tolerate low sun during the winter months it needs 8 hours direct sunlight during the early and late growth stages. So lots of clear sky when it's maturing, September onwards. If your nutrition is right, (and soil acidity is right) then water could be the problem. While not much water is needed in winter, the ground should be kept moist through the season, especially in spring. A shallow watering is best the roots don't go down more than 30 cm max. Once to twice week during the maturing season. We cant control the weather, but avoid flooding (and applications of nutirients) during the final few weeks to lessen the chance of fungus attacks and sprouting. Garlic likes a moderate amount of lime (dolomite), you can rely on the recommended amount at least two weeks before planting and once every three years. Maturity. Look for tops fading in colour, a weakening of the stem near the base and a flattening of the top of the bulb when (gently) exposed Thats a lot and there's a lot more. It's a labour of love and a lifetime. And I'm sure others will have other suggestions, this is just a framework of what has worked for me. Planting at the moment actually. Regarding shallots most of the above also applies but Im not much of an authority. Shorter season length, but most of the above applies. I plant under the same conditions as garlic but only a few dozen and get good results.

- Ken WIlson

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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.
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