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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
18 Jan 18, DavidG (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I suggest saving 4-6 bulbs from each crop, divide the cloves and plant them. Simple and 100% strike rate
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Feb 18, Tony.E. (Australia - temperate climate)
If your plant that smells like garlic has a stem with a seed pod at the top then it is not a garlic, it has the name giant russian garlic or elephant garlic, but it is not a true garlic it is closer related to the leek family. True garlic does not grow seeds.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jul 18, Ray S (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I’m afraid that’s not quite correct Tony. Garlic can and does set seed though only some varieties manage it. There is at least one breeding program, in Israel I believe, using true garlic seed to develop new varieties, among other things. It took them a while to track down varieties that do set seed but they managed. I have heard that the variety Duganski sets seed readily.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Dec 17, Andrea Cousins (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is there a suitable variety of garlic that I can successfully grow in Kununurra, (Ord River Region), Western Australia?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Go on the internet and see if there are any that are suitable for the tropics otherwise try any normal variety from a shop.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Dec 17, Phillip green (Australia - temperate climate)
Where on central coast can I buy garlic bulbs to plant?
Reply or Post a new comment
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!
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From any shop that sells them - supermarkets etc. Plant around June.
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 381 - 390 of 910 comments
See comments for all plants

It does say plant May to July. You can try it under shade cloth if you like. Because it is not the right time to plant it may not grow very well. Research it on the internet.

- Mike

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 GardenGrow 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 GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | 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. 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.