How To Grow Garlic From Bulb To Harvest – Savory, Delicious Flavor!
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We love growing garlic from bulbs! And we can show you how. This aromatic crop transforms ordinary dishes into culinary masterpieces. So, why settle for store-bought when you can enjoy the unparalleled taste of homegrown garlic? Surprisingly, this kitchen essential is remarkably easy to cultivate in your garden.
Here’s how to grow delicious, versatile garlic right in your backyard!

Germinating Garlic Bulbs In 3 Easy Steps

Germinating garlic bulbs outdoors can be broken down into three essential steps.
Step 1 – Preparing The Soil
To begin, prepare the garlic’s soil by selecting a sunny location with well-draining soil. Break up your garden soil to a depth of around six to eight inches, mixing in well-rotted manure or organic compost to enrich it.
Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth, as garlic thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
Step 2 – Plant The Cloves
Next, it’s time to plant the garlic cloves. Start by separating your garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Select the largest and healthiest cloves for planting.
Plant each clove around three or four inches deep with the pointed end facing up. Space the garlic cloves five or six inches apart in 17 or 18-inch rows.
After planting your baby garlic bulbs, water the area thoroughly to help settle the garden soil around the cloves.
Step 3 – Ongoing Care
To protect the garlic cloves and maintain soil moisture, mulch the planted area with three thick inches of straw or leaves. Doing so will help keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Plant your garlic in the fall in colder regions to allow for winter protection and spring sprouting. In warmer climates, late winter planting is ideal for spring growth.
Watch for green garlic shoots to emerge from the soil when the warm weather arrives. The garlic plant’s greenery signals successful germination and the beginning of your garlic plant’s growth journey.
(Have more questions about timing your garlic garden? No worries! We provide an in-depth garlic planting schedule below.)
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Garlic Plant Growing Requirements

Garlic is a wonderfully versatile crop that can thrive in many parts of the USA, from the chilliest USDA growing zones of the Northeast to the warmer regions of the South. Let’s dive into the critical requirements for growing healthy, flavorful garlic bulbs in your garden.
Sunlight
Garlic plants crave full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least seven or eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Some afternoon shade can protect your garlic from scorching during intense summer heat if you’re in a boiling southern state.
Climate
Even though garlic loves sunlight, it’s still surprisingly adaptable. It’s a cool-season crop that can withstand cold temperatures, making it perfect for fall planting in many regions.
It also has a few quirks. Garlic needs a period of cold to trigger the bulbing process. For most of the USA, planting in autumn (usually September to November) allows the cloves to establish roots before winter dormancy.
However, if you’re in a warmer zone (8 through 10), you might have better luck planting in late winter for a spring harvest.
Soil + Fertilizer
Garlic plants are heavy-duty feeders, considering their relatively small size. Before planting, work some organic compost or well-rotted manure into your soil.
Start with an organic, balanced fertilizer at planting time. Switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer when the garlic plants start vigorously growing in spring.
Just ease off the nitrogen about a month before harvest to avoid stimulating leaf growth at the expense of bulb development.
Aim for slightly acidic or neutral soil pH. (Ideally, around 6.0 or 7.0.)
Watering
Garlic needs consistent moisture to develop thick and rich bulbs. However, garlic roots hate sitting in waterlogged soil. So, water the garlic thoroughly and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
As a rule of thumb, garlic plants need about an inch of water per week during active growth. As harvest time approaches, ease up on watering.
Harvesting
Harvesting garlic is where your patience pays off! The trick is to time your yummy root bulbs just right. Generally, garlic is ready to harvest when its lower leaves start to brown and wither, but several upper leaves are still green.
This leaf browning usually happens in early to midsummer, depending on your climate and when you planted. Gently dig up a test bulb to check its development. If the cloves fill out the skins nicely, it’s ready!
Carefully dig up your garlic bulbs and shake off excess garden soil. Once clean, let them cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for around three weeks. Once they cure, trim the roots and stalks. Once cut and cleaned, your homegrown garlic is ready for storage or use in your favorite recipes.
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USA Garlic Growing Calendar

Here are the critical dates all garlic growers should know.
- September – Plant fall garlic in cold regions (zones 3 to 6).
- October – Plant fall garlic in the moderate areas (zones 7 to 8).
- November – Plant fall garlic in warm regions (zones 9 to 10).
- December – Monitor mulch in cold areas.
- January – Those in warm growing zones can also plant in January.
- February – Those in warm growing zones can also plant in February.
- March – Spring garlic emerges. Fertilize fall-planted garlic.
- April – Active growth. Water and weed regularly.
- May – Remove scapes. Continue care.
- June – Begin harvesting fall-planted garlic.
- July – July is another primary harvest month for many regions.
- August – Cure harvested garlic. Prepare for fall planting.
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Choosing The Best Garlic Varieties And Cultivars
We love eating garlic. We have yet to find a better way to upgrade homemade spaghetti sauce, brick-fired pizza, and epic stir fry. And of all garlic cultivars, the following five are our favorites.
1. Porcelain

Porcelain garlic is famous for its jumbo-size, easy-to-peel cloves, and long storage life. It’s a favorite among chefs for its robust flavor and versatility in cooking.
- Size: Large bulbs, typically 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
- Appearance: White, smooth outer skin with 4 to 6 large cloves per bulb.
- Taste: Strong, hot flavor when raw, mellows when cooked.
- Days Until Harvest: 240 to 270 days.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9.
Porcelain varieties are excellent for northern climates due to their cold hardiness. They’re perfect for roasting whole or using garlic-forward dishes.
2. Purple Stripe

Purple Stripe garlic is famous for its complex flavor profile and beautiful coloration. It’s a gourmet variety gaining popularity among home gardeners and chefs alike.
- Size: Medium to large bulbs, 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter.
- Appearance: Streaked purple and white outer skins, 8 to 12 cloves per bulb.
- Taste: Rich, full-bodied flavor with a spicy kick.
- Days Until Harvest: 220 to 250 days.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8.
Purple Stripe garlic is excellent for braiding and makes a stunning addition to any kitchen. Try it raw in salad dressings for a gourmet touch.
3. Music

Music garlic, a Porcelain variety, is renowned for its large cloves and excellent flavor. It’s a favorite among gardeners for its reliability and impressive yields.
- Size: Huge bulbs, often exceeding 3 inches in diameter.
- Appearance: Bright white skin with 4 to 5 huge cloves per bulb.
- Taste: Strong, rich flavor with a spicy aftertaste.
- Days Until Harvest: 240 to 270 days.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9.
Music garlic’s large cloves make it ideal for roasting or grilling. Its high allicin content also makes it a popular choice for medicinal uses.
4. German White

German White, another Porcelain variety, is valued for its intense flavor and excellent storage qualities. It’s a great all-purpose garlic for both cooking and medicinal uses.
- Size: Large bulbs, 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
- Appearance: Bright white skin with 4 to 6 plump cloves per bulb.
- Taste: Pungent, spicy flavor that mellows with cooking.
- Days Until Harvest: 240 to 270 days.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9.
German White’s strong flavor makes it perfect for garlic butter or aioli. Its large cloves are easy to peel, making it a favorite in the kitchen.
5. Rocambole

Rocambole garlic is beloved for its rich, complex flavor and easy-to-peel cloves. It’s often considered one of the best-tasting garlics available.
- Size: Medium to large bulbs, 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter.
- Appearance: Brownish outer skin, often with purple streaks, 6 to 11 cloves per bulb.
- Taste: Full-bodied, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Days Until Harvest: 220 to 240 days.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7.
Rocambole garlic is ideal for garlic connoisseurs and gourmet cooking. However, it has a shorter storage life than some varieties, so enjoy it within a few months of harvest.
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Common Problems With Garlic Plants

Garlic is relatively easy to grow. However, many gardeners make three common (and easy-to-fix) mistakes.
Planting At The Wrong Time
Timing is crucial for garlic success. In most regions, garlic is best planted in the fall, about 7 or 8 weeks before the ground freezes. This timing gives the cloves time to establish roots before winter dormancy.
Planting too late in the fall or early spring can result in small bulbs or poor development. You have more leeway if you’re in a warmer climate (zones 7 to 9). You can also plant in late fall or early winter.
Always check your local agricultural extension for specific planting dates in your area!
Improper Soil Preparation
Garlic thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. Poor soil preparation can lead to stunted growth, disease, or rot.
Before planting:
- Work plenty of organic matter into your soil to improve its structure and nutrient content.
- Remember to aim for a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. Consider raised beds to ensure good drainage if your soil is heavy clay.
- Garlic is a heavy feeder, so starting with rich soil is critical to a bountiful harvest.
Overcrowding
Garlic needs space to develop large, healthy bulbs. Planting cloves too close together leads to competition for water and nutrients, resulting in smaller garlic bulbs. Space cloves about 5 to 6 inches apart in rows 17 or 18 inches apart.
This generous spacing might seem like a lot of room when planting, but remember that each clove will grow into a heavy-duty plant. Proper spacing also improves air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
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Conclusion
Growing garlic is a rewarding journey that yields delicious results. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re well on your way to producing flavorful, homegrown garlic that significantly upgrades all of your favorite homemade goodies. Happy gardening and bon appétit!
What about you?
- What’s your favorite garlic-infused dish to cook or eat?
- Have you tried any of the garlic cultivars on our list?
- Have you experimented with any unique garlic recipes or preservation methods? Tell us about it!
Thanks for reading.
Have a great day!