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

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11 Dec 17, Phillip green (Australia - temperate climate)
Where on central coast can I buy garlic bulbs to plant?
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04 Mar 18, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Try bunnings or any good nursery. DON'T use garlic from the supermarket as a lot tend to be imported from China and spread disease into the soil. Good luck and happy gardening!
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13 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From any shop that sells them - supermarkets etc. Plant around June.
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08 Dec 17, Ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have recently harvested my garlic and was wondering if it is possible to freeze at least 2 bulbs to plant again next year?
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08 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would just let them dry out for a week or so and then store in a cool dry area.
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01 Dec 17, Marilyn Mortlock (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it possible to plant garlic in December in Sydney?
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03 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
You sure can plant it now - it just might not grow too well, or not at all. If you read the above about garlic it says plant April to July. There is a reason for that - it is the best time to do it.
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30 Nov 17, Thakasile Hlophe (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is possible to plant garlic in Ladysmith Kwa Zulu Natal and if possible when is the right time or season
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23 Nov 17, Manju Campbell (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I planted garlic in may and it was so healthy up October and now it get a rust will you please let me know when is the harvesting season .or what shall I do
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17 Nov 17, Joe (Australia - temperate climate)
My wife planted garlic late october in frankston victoria will it mature or should we dig it up and wait till april. Thx
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Hi, we have been growing garlic now for 5 years on a pretty small scale, about 1 acre. Have been to field days, read literature & spent too many hours looking on the net. This has to be one of the most frustrating things I have ever been involved with. Some say it is swamp plant & you can't over water, others say to let them dry out a few times as it encourages growth. Heaps of fertilizer, very little fertilizer, sandy soil is best, loam is best etc. etc. Like an earlier post let the bulb tell you, ha ha. But it is true. For our purple garlic plant in March April with mild fertilizer, we use blood & bone. We water as you would any other plant, use a moisture meter or stick you fingers in the soil to see how dry/wet it is. Occasionally top dress with b&b. Pull one out every few weeks & see what it says. One thing that is common to all advice is to not water for the last 3-4 weeks (noted when the leaves start to turn yellow & die off) as this will produce a very slimy skin not easy to work with & hard to stop rot. Again pull one up & have a look at what it's doing, it will let you know same as a citrus, potato or anything else. Just takes time to get to know it. Hope this adds to the confusion, I know I still am.

- John

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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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