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 5b 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 10°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 12 cm 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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02 Nov 19, Angela Schreiber (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello. Our purple garlic is out of the ground. We tie them in bunches with dead stems intact . We take the roots off them. Question: the shed they are suspended in has a moist atmosphere due to the rain today. It has a dirt floor and no doors.Will this moisture cause them to rot or make them susceptible to pests or mites. We have about 800. Thankyou
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04 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My experience is with shallot bulbs. I just keep them loose in a pot tray/dish drying tray about 2-3 (??)
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28 Oct 19, Coco (Australia - temperate climate)
I am western Australia perth . I would like to ask you about garlic . Can it be planted in early or mid December, would it still grow to its full potential if planted around that time.thank you very much.
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29 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This is the way I see it. They recommend planting May to July for temperate - Perth. The reason is, this is when you will have the best results. Now if you go and plant it in Oct/Nov you will probably produce a smaller crop or no crop. You have to look at your local conditions also. It is like if a seed requires 20 degrees soil temp to germinate why plant it when it is 15 degrees.
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16 Oct 19, Khomotso (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I grow garlic in tunnels and what will I need to harvest successfully
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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.
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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...
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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.
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09 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Stick your finger in the soil, down about 3-4 cm
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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.
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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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