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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17 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You can sometimes buy garlic seed online but it is easier to buy cloves from a nursery or garden centre and plant them as per this site. It is OK to buy it from fruit shops and supermarkets as long as it is not imported from Asia as there are diseases there that you do not want in your garlic.
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09 Apr 17, Christo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to plant 6 hectares garlic in Swartruggens erea north west province under drip irrigation. Can I plant till end of April.
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10 Apr 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could plant garlic into early may as well. It may be advisable to discuss your proposal with your local Agriculture Department so you can get the best yield from a venture of this size. They should also be able to advise you on water saving as well.
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30 Mar 17, Fadeela (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
What type of soil does garluc need to be planted ? D
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30 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic will respond to good soil in an open position. It generally likes cooler climates but can be planted in April or May as the weather starts to cool. Keep watering consistent and harvest late in the year.
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25 Mar 17, Hannah (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Sydney, When will be good time to grow garlic ?
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27 Mar 17, Jonno (Australia - temperate climate)
Garlic is normally planted as the season cools down and is harvested in late December. It likes a sunny spot but dislikes competition from weeds so keep it well mulched. Consistent watering is also important for the best yield.
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17 Mar 17, Dianne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I have tried growing garlic a couple of times now. Generally I plant on the 23 March and harvest 23 June. First few times garlic was small except for a couple decent sized ones. Last year, I ended up with one large bulb only, on each plant; almost like a small onion. What would cause this to happen?
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19 Mar 17, Verena (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Dianne I am in a sub tropical area too and I plant late April/May and harvest in November when leaves start to die down. Perhaps you are harvesting to early?
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07 Mar 17, ivy wambi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where near I stay can I buy seedlings of garlic I 'am in tembisa (kempton park). am a small holding farmer.
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Showing 451 - 460 of 907 comments
See comments for all plants

It is a bit of trial and error. Have good draining soil. Little plants need little waterings more often, daily, big plants a lot more water less often, 2-3 times per week. General rule dig down into the soil 50-70mm to see how moist the soil is. You will quickly learn that say a crop of lettuce might need 60 sec of watering. Whereas some mature tomatoes plants need 2-3 minutes.

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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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