Growing Garlic

Allium sativum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Garlic in Australia - tropical regions)

  • P = Plant cloves
  • 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

02 May 20, mick (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted early last year and lost most of my crop early on because it was too hot. This year I planted mid April and apart from having to shade the crop a couple of days the temperature is perfect. The crop is looking great and growing fast. I'd be thinking you may need to experiment as well as hope nature doesn't decide to play games with the seasons. You might next year consider staggering 2 bulbs every 2 weeks for say 6 weeks and recording the results. That way the following year you should nail it. Good luck and keep trying. Determined gardeners eventually find the sweet spot.
05 May 20, M (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I was going to suggest staggering the planting over a few weeks. Seasons can vary from year to year so much. The year before last it didn't turn to cool/cold weather until well into July here. Last week we had night temps (6.7 and 7.9) within 2-3 degree of our normal coldest winter temps.
22 Apr 20, Chris Smith (Australia - temperate climate)
Can i grow garlic in 30 litre pot
23 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can grow most things in a pot if big enough. Need a lot more attention to them the smaller the pot.
12 Apr 20, geoffrey Neely (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi,my wife and i are first time growers of Russian garlic,my question is.we planted our garlic 2 weeks ago to the day so far only one seed has germinated.We soaked our garlic in seasol overnight prior to planting n a garden soil bought from local landscape supplier and mixed with natural occurring soil on our property.We watered the garlic in after planting and put a thin cover of sugarcane mulch over them, that first week only watered one more time the second week had 3-4 days of rain.Do you think there is a problem as only one shoot has penetrated the soil out of 630 planted,am i worrying about nothing will the rest of the cloves germinate in days or weeks to come should i keep watering should i not.thank you
29 Apr 20, Kys (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I've planted around 30 cloves of garlic, soaked them overnight too, I had some pop up in just over a week and some took 3-4weeks. This is my first time growing it too and my only advice would be to make sure the dirt is loose and maybe remove the sugarcane till they pop through I didn't bother with using sugar cane for mine
25 Apr 20, Robyn B (Australia - tropical climate)
Geoffrey, I’m a first time grower as well and had a problem with my Russians not sprouting (similar amount of time as you - I did the seasol as well). I’m transplanting them today as I found they didn’t have enough sun and the soil was very heavy and sandy. I had watched a YouTube clip that said they like daily water but well draining soil. Will keep you posted.
14 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
I think it takes awhile for garlic to germinate. Probably more about the seasons changing - summer to autumn. It is only now just starting to become cooler. A reasonable watering 1-2 times a week depending on how hot it is and if the soil dries quick or not.
05 Apr 20, Roland Philip (Canada - Zone 2a Sub-Arctic climate)
Hey pal. In canada right now. Looking to relocate to Caribbean , will that be a tropical climate. Few pointers on growing garlic in Caribbean tropical climate. Soil type Amt. Of water Start date for planting Thank u regards
06 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
I would suggest you look up tropical and sub-tropical climates in Australia or USA etc and check what they do there.
Showing 71 - 80 of 577 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Garlic

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.