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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27 Jan 23, Michelle (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I have some German garlic that I really need to plant. Is it too late to plant it in a raised bed in my Zone 7a right now? Still have about 8 to 10 weeks of 20 to 30 degree nights ahead. Thanks!
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07 Jan 23, Alan Kuchas (USA - Zone 3b climate)
I’m in zone 3a-3b. In your note for planting garlic , it suggest planting in APRIL? I always plant in October for next years harvest in aug-Sept. if I plant in April will I get bulbs in the Fall?
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23 Jan 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Have read, plant in the shortest daylight hours and harvest in the longest hrs of sunlight.
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15 Dec 22, Keith Moses (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just purchased some garlic which is sprouting shoots. As it is december in Brisbane, is there any point in planting these cloves?
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29 Jan 23, marco (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my garlic has sprouted from last year's crop .late december jan .i live on the gold coast .i have no idea if they will be any good . i will let u know in a years time ....haha .
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10 Dec 22, Clifford Foy (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Got some garlic for planting today. This has been a very strange year. Today temp is 50 inn the morning . Can expect some more rain. No cold weather so far. Can I plant the garlic or should I wait till march )running the risk of getting it spoiled. What shall I do?
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29 Nov 22, John McKeen (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow garlic ( and ginger ) in Darwin- currently it gets from 25- 35 degrees ( in the shade ) humidity 100% - Oct ( wet season- late December the rains come if we are lucky. — Dry season is March and from April to Oct about average 18 degrees at night 28 day - humidity about av 50-60%. If so what varieties and where can I buy them ? Thanks John
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03 Dec 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
It gives you the planting times here for garlic and ginger for the tropics. Buy from nursery or internet.
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18 Nov 22, Mairlyn (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I read that I should place my garlic in the refrigerator for 7 to 8 weeks before planting. I read this after the fact. How will no refrigeration prior to planting effect my results?
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16 Apr 23, Michelle (USA - Zone 9b climate)
In my zone, because it's warm, you need to do cold stratification in the frig before planting. I tried before with store garlic and it didn't work, now I bought softneck, put in the frig a few weeks and they are doing great.
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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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