Key Points
Garlic is an easy crop that will grow anywhere in the U.S., when planted the right way at the right time. For the best, biggest garlic, plant in autumn during the window of time ideal for your USDA growing zone.Save a few large bulbs for planting next year. Starting out with large cloves yields bigger bulbs at harvest time.
Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow and, when planted at the right time, yields big bulbs with plenty of cloves to last until next year’s harvest and even longer.
It can be planted in spring in many USDA growing zones, but for the biggest, tastiest bulbs, autumn is the ideal time to set out garlic.
Best Times to Plant Garlic for Bigger Bulbs
Garlic requires six to eight weeks of temperatures below 40°F to form bulbs. This cold period is called vernalization and also encourages the bulb to separate into cloves.
Soft neck varieties generally don’t need as long a period of vernalization. In southernmost zones, keep hard-neck varieties in a mesh bag in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks before planting out. Here’s when to set out garlic according to your USDA growing zone.
USDA 0-3: Plant garlic from late August to late September, depending on the first expected freeze. Garlic can be grown successfully even in Alaska if heavily mulched and planted before the ground freezes.USDA 3-5: Plant mid-September to mid-October for good root development and vernalization before ground freezes.USDA 5-7: Early to late October is the best window for setting out garlic. Time planting to avoid too much green top growth before the ground freezes.USDA 7-9: Plant from late October through November. In higher zones, consider soft neck varieties that don’t require as much vernalization.USDA 9-10: Plant from late October through December. Refrigerate hard-neck varieties for six to eight weeks before planting out or choose soft-neck varieties.
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Why Garlic Planting Timing Affects Harvest Size
Planting garlic in autumn essentially gives it a head start for the spring growing season. Cloves (seeds) planted at the right time develop good root systems, form bulbs, and are ready to put out top growth when temperatures rise above 40°F.
Correct timing also allows for the necessary cooling period of six to eight weeks. Each clove begins to form a bulb, which will divide into multiple cloves when given enough time in temperatures below 40°F. Insufficient vernalization can result in a single, undivided bulb similar to an onion.
A common mistake in growing garlic is planting too early. Plants form too much green top growth, diverting energy from bulb and root development.
Tops die back once the ground freezes, which can cause bulb damage or rot. Undamaged bulbs will regrow in spring but may be small or fail to form cloves.
Planting too late in the season inhibits root growth, which often results in smaller bulbs or failure to separate into cloves. Late plantings are subject to frost heaving, exposing bulbs to freezing temperatures, and potential plant loss.
How to Plant Garlic for the Biggest Harvest
Separate garlic bulbs into cloves, leaving the papery coverings in place. Place each clove 2 to 3 inches deep in sandy loam, pointed end up. Stagger plants on a grid or allow 6 to 12 inches between rows.
Water well and aim to maintain consistently moist soil. In northern climates, sufficient moisture from rain and snowfall during dormancy makes watering unnecessary. Southern growers need to check the soil regularly and irrigate when dry.
Add a 3- to 6-inch layer of loose organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves to help retain moisture and insulate against consistent freeze/thaw cycles that cause frost heaving.
Both hard-neck and soft-neck varieties form bigger bulbs when planted in autumn; however, soft-neck varieties grow well when planted as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring and at least six to eight weeks before final frost. Because it doesn’t require a long cool period, soft-neck garlic also may be a better choice for autumn planting in southern climates.
FAQ
How deep should garlic cloves be planted?
Plant garlic 2 to 3 inches deep, depending on soil type. Planting a little deeper in colder climates or heavy soils helps insulate bulbs against harsh winter weather.
Does garlic need mulch over winter?
Yes, 3 to 6 inches of straw or shredded leaves prevent frost heaving and help retain moisture. The colder the climate, the thicker you’ll want to layer the mulch.
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