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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28 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
"Yellow tips are such a common garlic phenomenon that many consider it “normal.” They can be caused by any number of stressors: a hard winter, a warm spell followed by a freezing spell, mild nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, too much or too little water; a little of this and that. I don’t worry about yellow tips. My garlics usually get them. Everything I read says that unless they are extreme, yields should not be affected. However, yellow stripes, splotches, speckles, leaf curl, thickened leaves, purple veins, or other abnormalities indicate something more serious is going on: soil deficiencies, insect infestations, fungal growth." Google and read up about it.
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28 Aug 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
If the leaves are yellowing, and look like they are dying, it is possible your garlic is ready.
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25 Aug 17, Nico (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I would like to know in very dry and hot climates will garlic produce if irrigated and how much water does a garlic plant needs
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23 Aug 17, Lois (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I grow garlic near Mooi River in the Natal Midland [ Dec and Jan ave temps 27 deg and 26 deg C] We have frost in winter. Coldest month is June [ave temp 14 deg C] Should it be grown in tunnels or would shade houses suffice? We sometimes experience hail storms. ]
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19 Aug 17, Charles Schembri (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy garlic for planting.. Would be OK to plant now
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21 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
From the notes on this page. "Garlic is traditionally planted in cold weather and harvest in summer ("plant on the shortest day, harvest on the longest"). Try Tooley Garlic. Google it.
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18 Aug 17, Bec (Australia - arid climate)
Just wondering how often I should water my garlic and how do I know when to harvest? They were planted about 4 days ago and I'm in Perth, Western Australia. Thanks!
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21 Aug 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read earlier post today re planting. You need good draining soil. Too wet and it will rot and too dry and will die. I would say you have sandy soil. Try a little water each day. Sandy soil water more regularly than good soil. Bit of trial and error. Google about growing it.
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17 Jul 17, Soola Thoo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I put garlic gloves into soil in July/august and still be able to get harvest?
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15 Jul 17, Barbara (Australia - temperate climate)
Just wondering if I cut off the green tops for stir fry as suggested it does not hurt the bulbs growing?
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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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