How to Plant & Grow Garlic for the Best Yield

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Grow your own garlic in the ground, raised beds, or containers
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Growing your own garlic is easy to do in most climates. It has a long growing season since cloves must be planted in the fall and endure the winter to bloom properly in mid-summer. But, at the end, you'll have a fresh crop of garlic to store for the winter or share with friends! In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to plant, care for, and harvest your own garlic. Keep scrolling to learn more!

How and when should you plant garlic?

Plant garlic 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) deep and 6 in (15 cm) apart in loose, well-drained soil. For the best yield, plant the garlic in the fall. Garlic needs 6–8 weeks of cold temperatures to grow, so if you plant in the spring, keep the garlic in the fridge through the winter before planting.

Section 1 of 7:

Best Conditions for Growing Garlic

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  1. You'll have the best chance at a successful crop if you buy garlic cloves from a plant nursery that stocks varieties that grow well in your area. Or, if you know someone in your area who grows garlic, ask them if they’ll share a head of garlic so you can grow the cloves. [1]
    • Garlic sold in grocery stores has usually been treated with chemicals to keep it from sprouting, which helps it last longer on the shelf. It's harder to grow treated garlic than untreated garlic.
    • The garlic stocked in grocery stores may not be a strain that works with your climate and soil type.
    • You can also order garlic bulbs online—just choose a variety that’s suited for your climate and USDA hardiness zone.
    • Check out our section on the different types of garlic if you’re not sure what kind to plant in your area.
  2. If you live somewhere that gets frosts in the winter, your garlic will grow best if you plant it in the fall—you’ll get bigger bulbs and a hardier harvest. Garlic needs to be kept below 40 °F (4 °C) for 6–8 weeks in order to thrive in the spring. This process is called vernalization. Try to plant the garlic about 1–2 weeks after your first frost. [2]
    • Plant garlic in the spring if: Your area doesn’t get frosts (Zone 10+), your ground stays really wet and muddy through the winter, or you missed your window to plant in the fall.
    • If you’re planting in the spring: Buy bulbs labeled for spring planting or put your garlic bulbs in the fridge for 6–8 weeks to overwinter them. Plant the garlic once temperatures warm up and the soil is workable, usually around February or March.
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  3. Garlic likes loose soil, so before you plant, work the soil down about 4 in (10 cm) with a garden rake or hoe. Enrich the soil with compost to add nutrients that will help the garlic grow strong and healthy. [3]
    • If your yard tends to stay soggy through the winter : Consider planting the garlic in a raised bed instead of directly in the ground. Raised beds will provide better drainage and improve your garlic harvest.
    • If you’d like, you can mix in bone meal , fish meal , or a 5-10-10 NPK fertilizer to enrich the soil. [4]
    • Garlic prefers soil between 6.0 and 7.0 pH. Test the pH of your soil. If you need to lower the pH—or acidify the soil —mix in compost, manure, or an ammonia-based fertilizer . If you need to raise the pH , mix in wood ash or a lime product like dolomite lime or hydrated lime .
  4. 4
    Grow the garlic in a container if you don’t have a good outdoor space. If you don’t have a garden or raised bed, growing garlic in pots can be a fun project. Choose a pot that’s around 6 in (15 cm) across. Fill the container with rich potting soil . Plant the garlic clove with the flat side down and the pointed end up about 2 in (5.1 cm) deep.
    • Be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes—if the water doesn’t drain out, the garlic will rot.
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Section 2 of 7:

Planting Garlic

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  1. 1
    Divide the bulb into individual cloves. One or two days before you plan to plant the garlic, carefully break apart the garlic cloves. Try to avoid crushing or splitting any cloves—they’ll need to be intact to grow successfully. [5]
    • If you separate the cloves too early, the garlic won’t grow as vigorously. [6]
  2. If you are planting garlic in the ground, place the cloves in the prepared soil in rows. Be sure to place each clove with the flat end down and the pointed end up—the roots will emerge from the flat end and the shoots will come from the pointed end. [7] There are two methods for planting:
    • Dig a trench 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) deep, place the cloves into the trench, and loosely fill in the trench with soil.
    • Place each clove in a hole that’s 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) deep, then loosely fill in the hole.
  3. If you're planting your garlic in the fall and you live in an area with frequent hard freezes in winter, cover the garlic bed with 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) of leaf or straw mulch. This will help insulate the garlic. [8]
  4. Water the garlic immediately after planting and mulching. After that, water as often as needed to keep the ground damp but not moist. Once it freezes out, don’t water again until spring.
    • The cloves will start putting out roots within a few weeks, but the plants will go dormant after the first hard freeze. [9]
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Section 3 of 7:

Caring for the Garlic in Spring

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  1. 1
    Remove the mulch layer once temperatures warm up. Once the threat of freezes has passed in your area, carefully remove the layer of leaf or straw mulch. This will help the garden bed warm up faster, which will allow the garlic to start putting out shoots. [10]
    • Some people prefer to leave the mulch in place to help prevent weeds.
    • Alternatively, you can remove the mulch in spring, lightly stir up the top of the soil, then reapply the mulch to help control weeds.
  2. 2
    Water the garlic at least once a week during the growing season. Use enough water to saturate the top 1 in (2.5 cm) of soil. When the top 1 in (2.5 cm) of soil has dried out, water again. [11]
    • You may need to water more often if your garden has particularly sandy soil, as it won’t hold water well.
    • Only water the garlic if the soil has dried out. If your area gets a lot of rain in spring and summer, you may not need to water the garlic much. [12]
    • Try to water in the morning so the soil can drain thoroughly by night. This will prevent “wet feet,” or saturated roots, which can cause the garlic to rot.
  3. Keep the garlic bed weeded so that the garlic doesn't have to compete with other plants for nutrients and water. Weeding is especially important early in the season—the tender garlic shoots may not thrive if they’re competing with weeds. [13]
  4. In late spring or early summer, you may see curly stalks called garlic scapes growing alongside the shoots. Cut off any scapes you see—if they're left on the plant, they’ll flower. This will take energy away from the bulb formation and result in smaller bulbs.
    • Garlic scapes are considered a delicacy—try adding them to a dish in place of green onions or chives.
  5. 5
    Stop watering as the garlic nears maturity. Don’t water the garlic at all starting about 2 weeks before you plan to harvest. Too much water will discolor the papery layer on the outside of the bulbs, and it could lead to bacterial growth and other diseases. [15]
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Section 4 of 7:

Harvesting and Curing Garlic

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  1. At the end of the growing season, in late June or early July, the tops of the garlic plants will start looking yellow and begin to fall over and die. Once the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant has died, it's time to harvest the garlic. [16]
    • If you’re not sure whether the garlic is ready, dig up one bulb and cut it in half. If the garlic cloves fill up the outer skin, it’s time to harvest the crop.
    • Don't harvest the garlic too late in the season—the bulbs will shrivel and the garlic won't be good to eat.
    • Garlic harvested too early won't cure properly, and the bulbs will be too small.
  2. Use a garden fork or spade to dig around the garlic bulbs without breaking through the cloves. Brush off excess dirt. You can leave the garlic stem attached to the bulb. [17]
    • Avoid damaging the garlic cloves or stems when you pull them up.
  3. Curing the garlic will help it last longer in storage. Place the bulbs in a warm, dry spot with good air flow for several weeks. During this time, the skin will dry and the bulb will become firm. [18]
    • You can cut off the stems and cure the garlic bulbs individually in a storage bin. Make sure they get plenty of air circulation.
    • Another common way to cure and store garlic is to leave the stems attached and braid them, then hang the garlic in a cool, dry place.
    • You can also cure your garlic by hanging the cloves upside down in a warm, shaded area with the leaves attached.
    • Use the garlic when the skin is dry and papery. The cloves should be firm to the touch and easy to pull apart.
  4. Pick out a few large bulbs to plant either in the fall before the ground freezes or in early spring. Choose the best-looking bulbs to ensure that next season's plants are big and flavorful. [19]
    • For the best results, rotate your garlic crops each year—avoid planting a new garlic crop where you grew garlic or onions the previous year. [20]
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Section 5 of 7:

When is the best time to plant garlic?

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  1. The best time to plant garlic is right after the first frost in your region. Your average first frost date will depend on where you live. In general, you can use your USDA hardiness zone to determine when to plant garlic: [21]
    • Zones 0–3: Late August through late September
    • Zones 3–5: Mid-September through mid-October
    • Zones 5–7: Early October through late October
    • Zones 7–9: Late October through November
    • Zones 9–10: Late October through December
Section 6 of 7:

What are the different types of garlic?

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  1. 1
    Hardneck Hardneck garlic is best for colder climates. This type of garlic creates bigger cloves, but there will be fewer cloves in the bulb. Hardnecks also produce flowering scapes that need to be removed during the growing season. [22]
    • Common hardneck varieties include Rocambole, Purple Stripe, and Porcelain. [23]
  2. 2
    Softneck Softneck varieties , sometimes called artichoke garlic, have more cloves per head. These types will store better, and the softer stalks are better for braiding. [24]
    • Common softneck varieties include Artichoke and Silverskin. [25]
  3. 3
    Elephant Garlic Elephant garlic is actually a type of leek—it’s not a true garlic variety. However, it needs the same growing conditions as garlic, so you can still plant it according to the instructions above. [26]
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Section 7 of 7:

Frequently Asked Questions: Growing Garlic

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  1. 1
    Can I plant garlic from the grocery store? It’s not recommended to plant garlic from the grocery store. Often, the bulbs are treated to prevent them from sprouting in storage, and there’s no guarantee the garlic sold at your grocery store is a variety that will do well in your area. It’s better to buy garlic from a local nursery or source some from another gardener.
  2. 2
    How long do garlic cloves take to grow? It can take up to 7 months for garlic to grow to maturity. The cloves need several weeks of dormancy in cold temperatures, then 4 or 5 months of growth during the spring and summer.
  3. 3
    Can you plant garlic if you don’t get frost? Yes, but you may need to refrigerate the garlic first. Garlic needs to spend 4–6 weeks in cold temperatures to thrive in the spring. If your area doesn’t get frosts, put your garlic cloves in a jar or freezer bag in the fridge for several weeks, then plant in the spring.
  4. 4
    Should you soak garlic bulbs before planting? Some people swear by soaking their garlic in fertilizer before planting. [27] Others soak garlic in 90% isopropyl alcohol for 20–30 minutes to kill any bacteria. These practices may help boost your garlic yield, but they’re not strictly necessary, so feel free to skip them if you prefer.
  5. 5
    What diseases can affect garlic? Garlic is fairly resistant to disease. The most common issues result from overwatering. However, pests like onion maggots and bulb mites can affect garlic crops. These are often introduced on garlic seed, so be sure to choose healthy, firm bulbs to avoid bringing these pests into your garden. [28]
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How Do You Grow Garlic?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    I live in a very hot country. When is it best to plant?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems and Gardening Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems and Gardening Expert
    Expert Answer
    If you live in a tropical climate, store your cloves in a cool place, like a refrigerator, for 4-6 weeks before planting. This will simulate winter and trigger them to sprout, and you can then plant them outside.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 27
  • Question
    I planted garlic in late October. We had a very mild November and the garlic shot up 6 inches in early December. Do I need to replant?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems and Gardening Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems and Gardening Expert
    Expert Answer
    No, replanting the shoots is not necessary. However, be sure to cover the shoots with 6 inches of straw.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 14
  • Question
    When do I plant garlic if I live in the southern hemisphere, and how long does it take before harvest?
    Community Answer
    In the southern hemisphere, garlic should be planted around mid-June, and harvested around late-July.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      2. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      3. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      4. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/get-your-garlic-primer-planting-growing-harvesting-0
      5. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      6. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C854&title=garlic-production-for-the-gardener
      7. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      8. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      9. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      1. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      2. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      3. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C854&title=garlic-production-for-the-gardener
      4. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      5. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/get-your-garlic-primer-planting-growing-harvesting-0
      6. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      7. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      8. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/garlic/grow-your-own
      9. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      10. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      11. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C854&title=garlic-production-for-the-gardener
      12. ↑ https://greyduckgarlic.com/Garlic_Planting_Chart.html
      13. ↑ https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1627
      14. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      15. ↑ https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1627
      16. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      17. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic
      18. ↑ https://tasmaniangourmetgarlic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Letetias-Seed-Planting-Guide.pdf
      19. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-garlic

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To plant garlic, choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil, and use a garden rake or hoe to work the soil to about 4 inches. Divide your garlic clove into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact. Plant the cloves with the flat root side pointing down and the tapered side pointing up, and space the cloves about 4 inches apart and about 2 inches deep. Water the garlic every 3-5 days, and cut off any shoots that grow to encourage the garlic bulb to develop. Harvest the garlic when the tops turn yellow and begin to die off. For more tips from our Gardening reviewer, including how to cure your garlic, read on!

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