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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
22 Sep 19, Kathy (USA - Zone 6a climate)
We don't have to buy garlic from China... please....try to grow some or double check with your store as to the origin of their garlic and if from China, then talk to store manager and store headquarters.. Thanks...
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Jul 19, Bea (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Best type of garlic for Vegas, 9A.
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Oct 18, Susan harrer (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Do you plant elephant garlic the same time and way as regular garlic ? Is elephant garlic is actually leeks ?
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Oct 18, Silke Wolf (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I have just tried planting elephant garlic, Oct 1. I have seen nothing sprouting as of yet. I did plant regular store bought garlic on sept 15th and that has jumped up and sprouted and grown like crazy within a week! So, Im a tad disappointed in the elephant garlic.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Sep 18, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I live in zone 10b and have never had a problem growing garlic. I always have an abundance for storing and using for about six months. I was wondering about planting earlier, say October, instead of December, or would it be too warm? Looking for an earlier harvest
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Mar 19, Gerry (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Yes to garlic. I've been growing it on Long Island for 25 years and plant in late October-early november
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Nov 17, Brittney Benèa Byrd (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I live in Zone 9a. Has anyone had any luck planting garlic in zone 9a? I am going to give it my best shot - it's in my refrigerator. Been reading about vernalization. If it would cool off here for any extended length of time I hope to get my cloves planted.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jan 16, Becky (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I live in Ponte Vedra (about 15 miles south of Jacksonville Beach). I grew a little bit of garlic last year in our raised garden bed. It didn't seem to have a lot of flavor. I see that you don't recommend garlic for zone 9B. Why is that?
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Apr 21, Jack Benimble (USA - Zone 9b climate)
It gets so hot in 9b you have to have a shaded area that receives sunlight. 8 hours in the blazing Florida sun cooks the soil and roots. The hot temperatures that can begin as early as March-April heat up the soil and accelerates growth too quickly which results in smaller bulbs
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 111 - 120 of 126 comments
See comments for all plants

I bought a pack of two christopher ranch organic garlic from grocery store. How do I know if it's soft neck or hard neck.

- Dan

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.