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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07 Jul 14, Julie Carville (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I bought mild garlic, but it is hot and wasn't supposed to be. Is this because I didn't water it steadily or enough, the soil, or some other reason that non-not garlic is hot (taste wise) when I harvest it.
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28 Jun 14, Ash (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I am from Phillip Island and are wondering would there be a problem if I planted garlic 2 weeks after the fall and what type is suggested. Thanks Ash
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01 Jul 14, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ash, You could try getting some garlic heads from Diggers - they're on Mornington peninsula, so they should have some garlic that is well acclimatised for your area. I usually put the whole garlic head on a saucer of water on the kitchen bench to "wake up" the roots. After a day or so there are usually little roots starting, then I carefully separate the cloves and plant them. Good soil and enough water, and you should be picking garlic in early summer.
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20 Jun 14, nico nagel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have a plot in vanderbijlpark. Will the garlic still grow if I plant it early in august?
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04 Jun 14, Phil Metter (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I planted garlic that had sprouted visible green shoots at the beginning of winter (April) they have withered. Will they regenerate themselves in the spring /summer? I live in Gauteng.
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27 Apr 15, Ric Langley (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic does not regenerate. Now is the time to plant or start with new seed garlic at this time next year.
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26 Apr 15, dennis (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would also like a reply to the above question.
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31 May 14, Tumelo Racoco (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can i get the garlic?
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31 May 14, Craig (Australia - temperate climate)
If you are buying garlic in the supermarket only choose australian or they will not sprout. the aussie garlic is purple/white the chinese will not sprout as they are treated for pests and insects. They do not grow as large as the foreign products but if you use a liquid vege feed and a bit of seaweed liquid you cant miss out. Be patient, they take a good 6 months just have a small dig and see if they look big enough. usually as the stems die off they are done but they are also great to cook with and it wont hurt if you cut a few.
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30 May 14, Osman (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
1. When is the best time to plant garlic to Northern Kenya 2. How long will it take from the planing date to the harvesting date 3. What type of Garlic is the best to plant in Northern Kenya I will appreciate your answers please Thank you
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Thanks for all your help Ms Burnett. Will you add me to your 'sell' list when you are ready to sell seed 'Pearls of Life' garlic? I definately would buy from 20-30. I can look after that many without too many dramas. I am retired and therefore have adequate gardening time on my handss BTW how much do you generally charge? Thanks again. -Fr David S Dampier

- Fr David S Dampier

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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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