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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13 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From any shop that sells them - supermarkets etc. Plant around June.
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08 Dec 17, Ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have recently harvested my garlic and was wondering if it is possible to freeze at least 2 bulbs to plant again next year?
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08 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would just let them dry out for a week or so and then store in a cool dry area.
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01 Dec 17, Marilyn Mortlock (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it possible to plant garlic in December in Sydney?
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03 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
You sure can plant it now - it just might not grow too well, or not at all. If you read the above about garlic it says plant April to July. There is a reason for that - it is the best time to do it.
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17 Nov 17, Joe (Australia - temperate climate)
My wife planted garlic late october in frankston victoria will it mature or should we dig it up and wait till april. Thx
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20 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It does say plant in the Autumn. I would suggest you plant then.
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02 Nov 17, Beryl (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I had a bulb I bought and the cloves istarted to shoot, I just decided to break them off and plant them, I put them only a few Center meters apart, I had forgotten I had planted them, and about a month ago thought it was grass, was going to pull them out, a neighbour said it looks like either garlic or onion, so left them there, not long after I remembered what I had done. Now I have sooo many leaves come up. Now I want to know when do I ‘pick’ them??? Exciting
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05 Nov 17, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted organic purple garlic in March this year and pulled them up at the end of September, They take around 8 months, but mine looked like the leaves were all dying,so out they came....and then all the rain and flooding came ,so it was the right time, They are well worth planting as they don't need much attention...just don't over water them as they may rot.
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03 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google " How to grow Garlic". Will tell you how long from planting to harvest.
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I have just purchased some garlic which is sprouting shoots. As it is december in Brisbane, is there any point in planting these cloves?

- Keith Moses

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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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