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 New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant cloves
  • 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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16 Jul 18, Ray S (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You could certainly try planting now, the sooner the better because garlic needs to go through the cold to get a decent size to it. The plants are totally unaffected by frosts down to at least -12°C which is what we get here in July. Just for your information, I usually plant garlic late March for a November harvest. In Goulburn you could probably wait until April/May. Good luck with it.
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17 Jul 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A saying - plant the shortest day of the year and harvest the longest day. 21st June - 21st Dec.
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15 Jun 18, Jeff Hann (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
During the garlic growing period. What fertiliser, how often & how much to use, please.
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16 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you started with good rich soil then you don't need to add more fert. Any all round fert will do. 10-14 N 4-8 P 10-14K @ 2-3 teaspoons per 9 L of water. Or use an organic fert at the recommended rate.
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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.
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09 Jun 18, Juping (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How and when do you grow garlic from seeds? I live in Wellington. Thank you.
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02 Jul 18, Cathrine (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Wellington and have garlic growing currently from clove. I like growing things from seed but growing from clove is far more efficient if it’s for a kitchen garden. I opted for organic garlic from Commonsense. Plant directly in situ pointed end up into a 5-7cm deep hole, July is ok, takes about 6 months before ready to harvest.
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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
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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
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15 May 18, Jodie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can garlic grow in pots
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Showing 361 - 370 of 919 comments
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Warren, I have had the same thing happen in some of my red garlics this year. I grow quite a lot and I have them in different beds and soil types this year. The ones that are shooting seem to be the ones in the richest soil and the ones that are getting a lot of water. I suspect too much water is causing the problem but I can't be sure. It's probably time to back off on the water anyway and let them concentrate on setting bulbs. Jane, I reckon late march is the best time to get your garlic in. If you want to grow lots or a few different types I suggest getting some seed garlic. But if your not too concerned about what type you want, find some you like in a good greengrocer - locally grown if you can. I'd steer clear of the imported stuff if I were you as it is treated with all sorts of nasty stuff! Good luck

- Grahame

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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. GardenGrow 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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