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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10 Apr 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could plant garlic into early may as well. It may be advisable to discuss your proposal with your local Agriculture Department so you can get the best yield from a venture of this size. They should also be able to advise you on water saving as well.
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30 Mar 17, Fadeela (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
What type of soil does garluc need to be planted ? D
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30 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic will respond to good soil in an open position. It generally likes cooler climates but can be planted in April or May as the weather starts to cool. Keep watering consistent and harvest late in the year.
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25 Mar 17, Hannah (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Sydney, When will be good time to grow garlic ?
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27 Mar 17, Jonno (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic is normally planted as the season cools down and is harvested in late December. It likes a sunny spot but dislikes competition from weeds so keep it well mulched. Consistent watering is also important for the best yield.
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17 Mar 17, Dianne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I have tried growing garlic a couple of times now. Generally I plant on the 23 March and harvest 23 June. First few times garlic was small except for a couple decent sized ones. Last year, I ended up with one large bulb only, on each plant; almost like a small onion. What would cause this to happen?
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19 Mar 17, Verena (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Dianne I am in a sub tropical area too and I plant late April/May and harvest in November when leaves start to die down. Perhaps you are harvesting to early?
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07 Mar 17, ivy wambi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where near I stay can I buy seedlings of garlic I 'am in tembisa (kempton park). am a small holding farmer.
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30 Mar 17, Leonora (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Livingseeds Heirloom Seeds P.O.Box 1421 Henley-on-Klip 1962 Tel: 016 365 3873 or 0731417101 [email protected] Elouise or Sean Give them a call. Very helpful.
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08 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
The easiest way to get garlic is to buy it from a green grocer (fruit shop) or nursery and separate the cloves before planting. one garlic bulb will yield 8 - 12 cloves. Seed is often available from seed companies, nurseries or garden centres. Refer to the Vegetables & Herbs guide on this site for more planting information. Happy garlic growing!
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we have had 5 or six years growing in Canberra. In past, got an Australian Purple and kept saving the biggest bilbs. last year, added Monaro red from Bredbo, seemed ok not as large but we had a dog fight on the bed and stuff was squashed early. This year, sowed Diggers club 4 varieties as well as Monaro red. Just starting to harvest. The (free) diggers biofresh ok (thought we were getting Melbourne Market but they substituted) Good size bulbs for first year. Haven't harvested the rest, will repost in a week or so. In summary, any variety seems OK in Canberra, although the softnecks collapse early

- John Boundy

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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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