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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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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06 Nov 11, Marlene Allen (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I am trying to find a garlic farm that could supply a larage grocery store. I went to my Krogers store in WIllis , Texas and their garlic was from China. Thank you for your service
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02 Oct 11, elise de Villiers (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Hello! We are in the Toronto, Canada area. We have some lovely garlic seeds - when do we plant these? And by which moon would it be ideal? Many thanks
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04 Aug 11, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
what type of slow release organic furtlizer works best for garlic
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Change the zone at the top of the page to USA -9a (If that is correct for you) - then find onions in the Vegetables and Herbs tab. Do the same for Garlic. You will get an idea of suitable planting times in your zone.

- Liz

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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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