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

16 Oct 19, Khomotso (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I grow garlic in tunnels and what will I need to harvest successfully
14 Nov 19, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Suggest you read all the notes here about growing it, especially the calendar when to plant.
22 Sep 19, Kathy (USA - Zone 6a climate)
We don't have to buy garlic from China... please....try to grow some or double check with your store as to the origin of their garlic and if from China, then talk to store manager and store headquarters.. Thanks...
06 Sep 19, Suzanne Lee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have garlic growing for the first time, they are lovely and green but i don't want to over or under water them. Can you give me some guide lines please. I have a dripper system with these, but wonder if that is giving the required amount or what is the optimum system and how much water, for garlic. I have no idea if they are hard or soft necked garlic! They were purchased from an organic grower but i didn't ask what style they are.
09 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Stick your finger in the soil, down about 3-4 cm
01 Sep 19, Meredith (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I plant garlic every year, but it never goes to seed. Can you please advise on a fertilizing schedule please. I always plant before the first full moon in April. I have trouble getting it to keep all year through after its picked, dried and hung and wonder if this is because it didn't go to seed? Any how would be appreciated.
04 Sep 19, TempestSkye (Australia - temperate climate)
The issue you're experiencing is more likely due to the type of garlic you are growing than anything you're doing. Garlic is generally split into two categories: hard neck and soft neck. Your planting times are perfectly fine for an Australian temperate climate. The old sayings about planting on shortest day and harvesting on the longest actually comes from the northern hemisphere and aren't optimal for most Australian climates. I follow the advice of Penny Woodward, who has literally written the book on garlic in Australia. https://www.pennywoodward.com.au/garlic-plant-it-now/ If you read the link above, it explains that hard neck varieties of garlic don't last as long, whereas soft neck garlic varieties tend to keep better.
17 Sep 19, Meredith (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you for the tips
05 Sep 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks for the tip on shortest / longest day stuff. How do you distinguish between a soft and hard neck? I looked up a website and all they had was a white bulb and a light purple bulb.
03 Sep 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have read plant around the shortest daylight hours day - 21st June - harvest around 21st Dec. I would think garlic would not require a lot of fertilising. You are trying to produce bulbs not a huge green top - so don't go overboard on the N. Start with a good fertile soil and maybe a top up after 3 mths - light on the N. A general veg fert would do at planting. Or compost or manures etc. Do some internet research about growing it.
Showing 271 - 280 of 907 comments

What is the most flavorful garlic? In Central South Carolina (Zone 8A), is hard neck, or softneck garlic, better to plant?

- Mike mahaffy

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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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