Q&A for How to Grow Garlic In Florida

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  • Question
    Should I trim the leaves of my garlic plant?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Trimming the leaves can lead to reduced bulb size. Trim leaves early in the season if you are going to trim them. Cutting the leaves will direct the energy into growing new leaves instead of producing larger bulbs.
  • Question
    In one frame, you talk about planting the cloves, and in the very next frame, you say to point the garlic "heads" in an upright orientation. So which is it, cloves or entire heads?
    Community Answer
    Only plant the individual cloves.
  • Question
    Do the bottom leaves normally turn brown and dry? (The plant appears quite healthy otherwise.)
    Community Answer
    Either your harvesting time is near (yippee!) or you have been watering the plant too much or too little (uh-oh). Make sure you're only watering when the soil is dry! You may also need to fertilize your soil, as not doing so can also cause yellowing of leaves.
  • Question
    Do I plant with the "paper" on or remove it?
    Community Answer
    You can just leave it on when planting the garlic.
  • Question
    How much sun do the garlic plants require? Can I grow them in a shady area?
    Community Answer
    Although garlic requires full sun (about six hours daily), it can tolerate partial shade as well, if not for very long. Or you could at least put it in a sunny place all morning. If you live in a particularly hot and tropical area though, you can grow the garlic in lower light. In fact, you may have to protect it from direct sunlight!
  • Question
    Is it recommended to store the garlic in the refrigerator for 4 weeks prior to planting it?
    Community Answer
    In Florida mainly the hard neck varities need to be refridgerated for a few weeks to simulate a northern winter. With soft necks this is probably not necessary.
  • Question
    Do I need to dry the clove before planting?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't. Just break off the clove and plant it. Alternatively, put it in a small saucer or other container and put some plastic wrap over it, leaving some room for air. Hopefully it will sprout, after which you can plant it with the sprout up.
  • Question
    Can I plant garlic in central Florida in June?
    Andy Winder
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can plant garlic in Florida most times of the year because of its warm weather. Your garlic will grow best, however, if you plant it in late autumn or early winter.
  • Question
    We planted in December in southern Florida. When can we expect to harvest?
    Andy Winder
    Community Answer
    Garlic matures a little earlier in Florida because of the warm temperatures. If you planted your garlic in December, you should expect to harvest in May, June, or July.
  • Question
    When should I plant garlic in Northwest FL?
    Stefanie Magee Magnuson
    Community Answer
    It already says in the article anytime between Oct. and Feb. for all of Florida.
  • Question
    Am I supposed to break/cut the garlic flower stem off a month before harvesting?
    Community Answer
    I would snip off the flower and most of the stem so all the energy will go into the bulb.
  • Question
    Can I plant garlic in the Florida Keys?
    Community Answer
    I'm sure you can. Try planting Creole types, such as Burgundy, Ajo Rojo, and Cuban Purple to name a few.
  • Question
    Should cloves be planted individually or should the whole bulb be planted?
    Community Answer
    From what I understand, it is best to plant individual cloves. If the cloves have already begun to sprout, plant them with the sprout up, 2-3 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart.
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