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

09 Jun 18, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I live in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. I would like to know if I can plant garlic, tomatoe and green pepper now that it is mid-june?This is my first time to plant vege.
25 May 18, vivien pietersen (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Looking to start producing garlic and live in Eastern Cape (stutterheim). Would appreciate knowing the best variety to grow.. is shade cloth needed... many thanks
23 May 18, Bill Govender (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
II live ion the north coast of KZN. When can I plant garlic for home use
07 Apr 18, danie van niekerk (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What fertilizer can I use to grow garlic. I use very old manure and 323 fertilizer.
08 Feb 18, Hermien (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I plant in Nort West.
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
10 Nov 17, Mandi Prinsloo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there, I stay in Limpopo province. I have some bulbs that have jyst stated sprouting. Can I plant them now?
24 Feb 18, Ria van der Westhuizen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try to plant indoors in pots. It is an easy way and keep ants away.
01 Nov 17, Achmat shabodien (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Planted garlic 6/6/17 the picture are what they look like now what is the next step . Appr some advice.thanks....area is Cape Town RSA
27 Sep 17, tammy pillay (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can i grow garlic in albert fall pietermaritzburg kwazulu natal area
Showing 51 - 60 of 163 comments

I live in Ballarat I planted mine in March and when I pulled some up in October they were like spring onions..so I phoned a grower who told me "Don't pull them up.. they look like that for ages and then they "bolt" and you will get a nice bulb.. which is what has happened.. We have had a cold wet winter and a not much better spring and summer ..I just just pulled some up as the tops fell over.. and still I have 20 plants till going strong.. If you put the cloves in oil please keep it in the frig and/or only cook with it ..as it can produce the botulism toxin in an anaerobic environment and this toxin is destroyed by cooking .. I am wondering now when to plant my next crop so would like to hear from anyone in my area Wendy

- Wendy

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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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