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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12 Apr 20, geoffrey Neely (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi,my wife and i are first time growers of Russian garlic,my question is.we planted our garlic 2 weeks ago to the day so far only one seed has germinated.We soaked our garlic in seasol overnight prior to planting n a garden soil bought from local landscape supplier and mixed with natural occurring soil on our property.We watered the garlic in after planting and put a thin cover of sugarcane mulch over them, that first week only watered one more time the second week had 3-4 days of rain.Do you think there is a problem as only one shoot has penetrated the soil out of 630 planted,am i worrying about nothing will the rest of the cloves germinate in days or weeks to come should i keep watering should i not.thank you
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29 Apr 20, Kys (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I've planted around 30 cloves of garlic, soaked them overnight too, I had some pop up in just over a week and some took 3-4weeks. This is my first time growing it too and my only advice would be to make sure the dirt is loose and maybe remove the sugarcane till they pop through I didn't bother with using sugar cane for mine
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25 Apr 20, Robyn B (Australia - tropical climate)
Geoffrey, I’m a first time grower as well and had a problem with my Russians not sprouting (similar amount of time as you - I did the seasol as well). I’m transplanting them today as I found they didn’t have enough sun and the soil was very heavy and sandy. I had watched a YouTube clip that said they like daily water but well draining soil. Will keep you posted.
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14 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
I think it takes awhile for garlic to germinate. Probably more about the seasons changing - summer to autumn. It is only now just starting to become cooler. A reasonable watering 1-2 times a week depending on how hot it is and if the soil dries quick or not.
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05 Apr 20, Roland Philip (Canada - Zone 2a Sub-Arctic climate)
Hey pal. In canada right now. Looking to relocate to Caribbean , will that be a tropical climate. Few pointers on growing garlic in Caribbean tropical climate. Soil type Amt. Of water Start date for planting Thank u regards
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06 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
I would suggest you look up tropical and sub-tropical climates in Australia or USA etc and check what they do there.
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05 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - tropical climate)
You can try growing garlic in the tropics but it needs chilling in a fridge to get it ready to grow.
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27 Mar 20, Frank Dart (Australia - arid climate)
I have only a small garden being in a unit, I have Zucchini, Capsicum,Tomatoes, Radish and Rhubarb in the bed will Garlic be compatible with them. Frank
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29 Mar 20, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Gdday Frank! no problem, just don't plant any beans or peas near garlic, they don't like each other!!! happy gardening, stay healthy & happy!!
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28 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to garlic and read what is compatible with it and what is not.
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Maybe try shallots - easy to grow and can grow most of the year.

- Mike

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