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 South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical regions)

  • P = Plant cloves
  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
30 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Look online. www.seedsforafrica.co.za list garlic. There are sure to be others as well.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Apr 17, Petros (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I want to start a small garlic farm . I'm staying at Highflats near IXOPO . My question is how long does it takes to be ready for market Second question my area is suitable to plant garlic? Thanks Petros. Please note - Gardenate is NOT intended for Farming questions. (Ed:)
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I would advise you to discuss your plan with your Agriculture Department (Government). They will have a better understanding of suitable varieties and also how to grow them in your area. Look them up on the internet.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Apr 17, Ingrid (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I am in Knysna South Africa (not sure if I have chosen the right climate zone?). I would like to plant garlic asap and wonder if it is too early and whether it would suit a shady area in my veg garden?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic prefers cooler conditions so plant the clovves in April or May for haresting later in the year.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Apr 17, Lisa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I'm in fort Beaufort I want to plant garlic where can I get seedlings
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You can sometimes buy garlic seed online but it is easier to buy cloves from a nursery or garden centre and plant them as per this site. It is OK to buy it from fruit shops and supermarkets as long as it is not imported from Asia as there are diseases there that you do not want in your garlic.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Apr 17, Christo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to plant 6 hectares garlic in Swartruggens erea north west province under drip irrigation. Can I plant till end of April.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Apr 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could plant garlic into early may as well. It may be advisable to discuss your proposal with your local Agriculture Department so you can get the best yield from a venture of this size. They should also be able to advise you on water saving as well.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Mar 17, Fadeela (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
What type of soil does garluc need to be planted ? D
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 71 - 80 of 160 comments
See comments for all plants

I'm unemployed and want to know if I can plant garlic and other herbs in my home garden for selling?

- Kobus Alberts

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.