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

09 Oct 22, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
we put ours in mid october and get good sized heads by mid july to end of july
26 Apr 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The guide says Sept - Oct planting - if that isn't your Spring then it won't grow.
12 Apr 22, Barbara White (Australia - tropical climate)
I want to try growing garlic in the tropics what type would you recommend
13 Apr 22, Bury (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Glenlarge and Italian Pink
04 Apr 22, Bob (Australia - temperate climate)
For a number of years now in Melbourne, we have been planting Garlic near the shortest day and harvesting near to the longest day of the year. So far all OK.
20 Mar 22, Bella Lopez (USA - Zone 9b climate)
How often do we water garlic?
21 Mar 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 3a climate)
Put your finger in the soil if it is dry below 1 inch, add water.
15 Mar 22, Diana (Australia - temperate climate)
I've tried to grow garlic for a couple of years now without much success. My last crop grown from store bought organic garlic, only had one large bulb. Is garlic a heavy feeder? What is the best way to prepare the bed for them?
20 Mar 22, Melanie L Schoen (Australia - arid climate)
Sometimes store bought garlic is treated with a chemical that deters it from sprouting. Can you get it from a local supplier? Organic?
17 Mar 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It does not require a lot of nitrogen - just good friable soil with a little fertiliser.
Showing 141 - 150 of 907 comments

This is my first year of growing Garlic. The ground is nice and rich and the first little sprouts have started to poke out of the ground. However they are being attacked by birds. Any ideas on how to keep them away?

- Benjamin Petkov

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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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