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

03 Mar 14, Jenny (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
When can i plant garlic in Durban? I have tried to plant it in March but all died? why?
23 Feb 14, Sam (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
When can I plant garlic in Hermanus and should I work plenty of manure in before planting.??
21 Jan 14, Mariet Mulder (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I'm interested in growing garlic in the Eastern Cape. We get a lot of snow in winter, but summer is not that hot. I've only got one concern there are a lot of moles in the ground and would like to know if it will affect my planting of garlic. please be so kind to advise me on this matter. Thank you
05 Mar 14, Bernadette Phillips (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Garlic is a perfect mole deterrent! I plant garlic among my flowering bulbs.
01 Jan 14, charlie (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What tools and implements do I need to start growing garlic in randfontein? How should the soil be prepaired per hecter? How much water is needed? Can you recomend any books on the subject? Or any other assistance.
25 Dec 13, Rachel (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi we live in the Pilbra northern WA and wondering if there is any chance we could grow garlic over there please?
09 Jan 14, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
probably not. Garlic needs a wet and cold winter
27 Apr 14, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)
I would give it a go, after working through numerous Pilbara winters, I reckon it gets cold enough. There are some varieties that need less cold than others also.
25 Dec 13, hardus (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
where can i find garlic seeds for about 0,5ha, and how many seeds would i need for 0;5 ha. My tamotoes is already planted, 600 mm apart under drip irrigation, and i want to plant the garlic end of january, between or next to the tamato plants, will this work? Any suggestions or tips to follow on planting garlic will be highly appreciated
12 Dec 13, (Australia - tropical climate)
Try Russian/Elephant Garlic. Not a true Garlic but member of the leek family. Milder flavour than stadard Garlic. Here in Noosa Hinterland planted in March produces huge bulbs ( for 3 years now). Just harvested this year crop. On-line suppliers tend to run out of stock quickly best to register an interest and receive an e,mail when available. Good Luck...Mel
Showing 591 - 600 of 906 comments

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.