Growing garlic at home can be an extremely rewarding experience The pungent, aromatic bulbs are a delicious addition to many dishes, and can last a long time in storage However, garlic is not a quick crop. It takes patience and proper care throughout its growth cycle to yield a bountiful harvest. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the garlic growing timeline – from planting to harvesting.
Overview of the Garlic Growth Stages
Garlic goes through six distinct growth stages, which occur over the course of 8-9 months when grown from cloves. These stages are:
- Germination
- Formation of green shoots/spring garlic
- Growth of scapes
- Bulb enlargement
- Maturity
- Harvesting
Proper planting techniques and attentive care during each phase are key for robust garlic growth and maximum bulb yields at harvest time Now, let’s explore each stage in more detail.
Stage 1: Germination
Garlic is planted by breaking bulbs into individual cloves and placing them in the ground. Each clove will sprout and grow into a full bulb.
Germination occurs when the small green shoot first emerges from the clove. This usually happens within 1-2 months after planting. Proper planting depth, soil moisture and temperatures around 60-70°F are important for good germination rates. The shoots remain small and subsurface during the winter months as the roots grow and become established.
Stage 2: Green Shoots & Spring Garlic
In early spring, after several months of growth, the shoots will rapidly grow larger and become visible above the soil line. Multiple green leaf shoots will emerge from each clove, forming the beginning of a garlic plant.
At this point, the bulbs are small but the greens can be harvested as “spring garlic.” They have a mild garlicky flavor and can be used like scallions or chives. However, continually harvesting greens will reduce the final bulb size at maturity.
Stage 3: Scapes Appear
As bulb enlargement begins underground, garlic plants will send up a flowering stalk called a scape. Scapes appear about 4 weeks before harvest time.
Removing the scapes redirects the plant’s energy into bulb production rather than seeds. Scapes can be eaten and have a mild garlic taste. They only occur on hardneck garlic varieties.
Stage 4: Bulb Swelling
Under the soil, the bulbs will rapidly increase in size over the spring and into early summer. Frequent watering and side dressing with nitrogen fertilizer supports vigorous growth during this stage.
The bulbs can be dug up and eaten as “green garlic” during this time. They will be immature, with a mild garlic flavor and just a few partial cloves formed inside.
Stage 5: Maturity
Garlic reaches full maturity around 9 months after planting. Bulb growth slows as the lower leaves begin yellowing and drying out. This is the signal that the garlic is ready for harvesting.
Mature bulbs will have well-formed, juicy cloves covered with a papery white outer skin. The bulbs will be 2-3x larger than the original planted clove. Proper curing and storage of mature bulbs will allow them to last for months.
Stage 6: Harvesting
Garlic can be harvested when about 2/3 of the leaves have turned brown. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil and lift the bulbs.
Leave an inch or two of stem attached and avoid bruising the bulbs. Gently brush off excess dirt. Then cure the garlic in a warm, dry spot out of direct sunlight for 1-2 weeks which further dries and preserves them.
Trim the roots and stems, then store cured bulbs in a cool pantry or cellar. They will stay fresh for up to 8 months. Softneck varieties store longer than hardnecks.
Growing Conditions for Optimal Garlic Growth
Now that we’ve covered the garlic growth timeline, let’s discuss the optimal growing conditions for each stage:
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Soil – Garlic thrives in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Mix in several inches of compost or aged manure before planting. The soil pH should be between 6.2-6.8.
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Sun – Garlic needs full sun exposure to grow properly, at least 6 hours per day.
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Water – Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during bulb swelling. 1-2 inches per week. Avoid overwatering.
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Temperature – Garlic can tolerate cold but grows best with temps between 60-77°F.
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Fertilizer – Apply balanced fertilizer before planting and a side dressing of nitrogen during bulb formation.
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Crop Rotation – Don’t plant garlic in the same spot two years in a row. Rotate every 3-4 years.
Following these best practices throughout the growing season will set your garlic up for vigorous growth and maximum bulb size at harvest!
Troubleshooting Common Garlic Growth Issues
Even when cared for properly, garlic can sometimes run into problems during its growth cycle. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
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Poor germination – This is often caused by poor planting depth, old cloves, or temperatures consistently below 50°F. Ensure cloves are planted 1-2 inches deep in fertile soil and that sprouts emerge within 6 weeks.
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Lack of vigorous growth – Stunted, yellow plants are usually a sign of insufficient water and nutrients. Increase watering frequency and side dress with nitrogen fertilizer.
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Soft bulbs – Overwatering, high temperatures, and excessive nitrogen can create soft bulbs prone to rotting. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings and plant in the fall to avoid heat.
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Small bulbs – Bulbs fail to size up due to nutrient deficiency, water stress, or damage from pests. Ensure optimal soil conditions and moisture during the critical bulb swelling stage.
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Flowering stalks – Removing scapes redirects energy to the bulb. But if flowers and seeds form, it will reduce bulb size. Cut off any flowering stalks during the growing season.
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Pests & diseases – Onion maggots, thrips, fusarium and penicillium mold are potential problems. Rotate planting sites, remove weeds/debris, and promptly harvest mature bulbs to prevent issues.
Catching and correcting issues early in the growing season will help ensure your garlic reaches full maturity and yields abundant flavorful bulbs.
How Planting Time Affects Garlic Growth
Garlic can be planted in fall or spring, but fall planting is most common. The planting time affects bulb development:
Fall planting is recommended for full-size bulbs. Garlic is planted 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost so roots can get established while the soil is still warm. This cold period is needed for the vernalization that will trigger bulb formation in spring.
Spring planting yields smaller bulbs that mature faster, within just 90 days. It works best for mild climates or as a second crop in cold regions. Choose an early maturing variety when spring planting.
Winter planting is possible in very mild climates like Zone 9 and above. Choose a variety bred for overwintering to avoid cold damage.
Regardless of planting time, pay close attention to the garlic growth stages for cues on when bulbs are maturing and ready for harvesting.
Final Thoughts
Growing plump, flavor-packed garlic bulbs requires some patience. But the long growth period is rewarding when those mature bulbs are harvested after about 9 months. Understanding the key garlic growth stages, and properly caring for the plants along the way, results in an abundant garlic crop. Pay close attention to signs of maturity before harvesting, and troubleshoot issues promptly to stay on track. With the right care and favourable conditions, you’ll be harvesting armfuls of beautiful garlic bulbs to use in your kitchen for months to come.
How Long Does Garlic Take To Grow?
FAQ
Will garlic come back every year?
Most people grow it as an annual, but if you harvest only the big plants and leave behind the small ones, you’ll have a perennial garlic that regrows every year. Close relatives include onions, shallots, and leeks.