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 - Summer rainfall 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
27 Nov 14, celia (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Trying a garden for garlic at home in campbell northern cape. The one lot's leaves look if it hang down on the ground. Litereally flat on the soil and not upright. We have very hot summers and very cold winters in the northen cape. Could somebody send me some tips or why the garlic hang so flat
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Nov 14, Koos Snyman (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When to plant garlic . How to fireflies garlic . Spray garlic for pest.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Oct 14, Gert olivier (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We would like to plant garlic. Area is Bela Bela and we would like to find out where to purchase the seed pods. Our soil is clay, will this work and when should we plant Thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Oct 14, Hannelie Burger (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am staying in Sutherland Northern Cape with very harsh snowy winters and thunder rain in summer on top of the Komsberg mountain range. Is it possible to plant garlic now in October and harvest before winter because our growing window is only between October and March. Which cultivar is the best for this conditions.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Sep 14, Munodawafa SD Mutopo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to plant garlic in Zimbabwe at the altitude of over 1500m (the Highveld). The soils are clay-loam with clay content of less than 24%. When should I plant and which variety and what is the time to harvest. Any recommended fertilizer regime?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Jun 14, nico nagel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have a plot in vanderbijlpark. Will the garlic still grow if I plant it early in august?
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Jun 14, Phil Metter (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I planted garlic that had sprouted visible green shoots at the beginning of winter (April) they have withered. Will they regenerate themselves in the spring /summer? I live in Gauteng.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Apr 15, Ric Langley (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic does not regenerate. Now is the time to plant or start with new seed garlic at this time next year.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Apr 15, dennis (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would also like a reply to the above question.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 May 14, Tumelo Racoco (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can i get the garlic?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 121 - 130 of 163 comments
See comments for all plants

I planted my turban garlic in April it grew well looking healthy plants, until August my plants getting yellow maybe lack of water so I water them and put seasol as well the plant started looks healthy again. Last week I pulled some out and the bulb just looks like an onion and the leaf just thick like leek and they are not forming cloves. Do you have any Idea why this is happening? my location its South East QLD. between Maryborough and Gympie

- Vassana

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.