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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02 Dec 09, Julie (Australia - temperate climate)
Pete and Wendy, you might be right about the fertiliser. It was planted on time, and we had late rain, right through spring, so plenty of moisture. Though I thought it got enough feeding, the bulbs did turn out smaller than usual - very disappointing! But when I stopped watering and let it dry it had formed cloves. Not so the large garlic - I've given up on that. More like a leek with a bulbous end. Oh, well, better luck next year!
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27 Nov 09, Pete&Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We have been growing organic garlic on the Sunshine Coast for nearly 20 years Garlic that is falling over and not forming full bulbs can be caused by late planting, lack of nutrient, either from invasive tree roots, or not enough fertiliser. Lack of moisture can also cause this. The "round" is still either edible or will still grow a bulb the following season. For Garlic that is reshooting this can be caused by planting seed stock that has been "long cold stored" 1degree will cause this to happen. For growing garlic in the warmer climates, variety is important. Try and get a variety that is climatised to our warmer winter. Garlic likes it cool. A trick a customer told me was he gave it a frost by mulching it with a bag of ice regularly!
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05 Jun 22, Janelle Jeffery (Australia - arid climate)
Just wondering can I plant garlic bulbs early winter ? I live outback NSW
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20 Nov 09, Frank J (Australia - temperate climate)
Some of my Garlic is not developing properly,(about 50% of the plants bulbs are not turning into cloves), It all came from the same stock, i have about 200 plants.It is Garlic that i have used for 5 - 6 years.
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12 Nov 09, Randall679 (Australia - temperate climate)
I'd really like to buy some new seasons garlic ... maybe 10kg. I live in Melbourne. Will pay shipping.
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07 Nov 09, pete (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
has anyone had any success growing garlic in the brisbane coastal area? when we lived in canberra we had lovely plump garlic. but here nothing but failure or really small bulbs. i planted from organic garlic purchased at the local fruit and veg. loathe and detest that rubbish chinese garlic.(garlic imported from China? ed.)
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31 Oct 09, Julie (Australia - temperate climate)
My garlic is falling over and starting to yellow. But it still hasn't developed separate cloves. If I stop watering, will this help the cloves to develop? I am aware of the perils of over-watering at maturity, but I wouldn't say these are mature.
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29 Oct 09, Barb Burnet (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hello from "australian golden garlic" ' the pearls of life' My garlic grown down near warrnambool victoria is beautiful. weather being cold and wet. ( must protect plants from wind ) I have used corrugated roofing iron. All plants will be pulled next week. Seed garlic are plump and hard. Have sold a few bundles of fresh green real garlic at P.Fairy and next week Dunkheld . People like it very much. good luck
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08 Feb 17, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Barb, when do you plant, I am in Grassmere Victoria,Any tips for good bulbs? regards, Michael.
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28 Oct 09, John (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I live in the SW of WA. My garlic is sending out shoots from the growing plants , that should be harvested in November. Pulled one apart and seems that the immature bulbs are shooting. Help!
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So where do you sell your garlic Barbara Burnett, as I would definately like to buy some from you please??

- bill elliott

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