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 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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01 Jun 23, Opal Ezell (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Which garlic can I plant in Ms?.When is the best time to plant cloves?
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02 Jun 23, (USA - Zone 8b climate)
For MS (zone 8b), February and March are suitable months for planting cloves. Most garlic varieties are suitable for this region.
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20 May 23, Rich (USA - Zone 8a climate)
If you planted your garlic in early November it should be up now in mid-May. I'm in 6B and mine broke ground in March and April. One thing that will slow it down is if you have a lot of light-colored mulch. That reflects the sunlight so the soil stays cold. If that's the case scrape it back and see what happens. Also if mulch is too thick straw the soil may be too soggy for garlic, although garlic does like quite a lot of water. But not sogginess.
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14 May 23, Trish (USA - Zone 4b climate)
I planted my garlic in early November in a raised garden bed. It’s now mid May. Temperature has been cool. I am not seeing anything coming up yet. Is it too soon to worry?
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17 Mar 23, Donna (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can I plant garlic now (mid March) I have some that has sprouted... or to late this year?
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07 May 23, Douglas Peterson (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I have had great success here in Las Vegas and you can grow just about any type you want- but it needs to be planted in mid to late October. I will be harvesting in 3-4 weeks.
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16 Apr 23, Michelle (USA - Zone 9b climate)
It needs cold stratification. So it too late for yours in our zone. Next year put some in the frig in October, then plant late December or early January. Need to use Softneck garlic.
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21 Mar 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
It doesn't recommend growing in your climate zone.
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10 Feb 23, Jorel Neville (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Which is best, hard neck or soft neck in zone 7b? Charlotte area
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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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Showing 21 - 30 of 130 comments
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I have read plant around the shortest daylight hours day - 21st June - harvest around 21st Dec. I would think garlic would not require a lot of fertilising. You are trying to produce bulbs not a huge green top - so don't go overboard on the N. Start with a good fertile soil and maybe a top up after 3 mths - light on the N. A general veg fert would do at planting. Or compost or manures etc. Do some internet research about growing it.

- anon

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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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