Garlic is usually planted in the fall before the first frost.
Forgot to plant garlic or want to plant it in the spring?
Here’s what to know.
Credit:piyaset/Getty Images
piyaset/Getty Images
Garlic is usually planted in the fall before the first frost.
Forgot to plant garlic or want to plant it in the spring?
Garlic can be planted in the spring in most regions in the United States.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Spring-grown garlic will produce smaller bulbs since the growing period is shorter.
What pop in Of Garlic To Grow?
There are two types of garlichardneck and softneckand each has numerous varieties to choose from.
Hardneck does well in colder climates and has bigger cloves and stronger flavor profiles.
Softneck prefers warmer weather and produces smaller cloves that tend to be milder in flavor.
“Softneck varieties have a shorter window to maturation.”
This naturally occurs in the winter when garlic is planted in the fall.
Vernalization can also be artificially created, such as placing a garlic bulb in the fridge.
You may need to mimic the vernalization process when planting a hardneck variety in the spring.
The growing region and climate will influence if minimizing the vernalization process is necessary for a successful garlic harvest.
Have a garlic clove that is beginning to sprout in your kitchen?
Before you contemplate planting the clove, know that store-bought garlic isn’t ideal for growing.
“Even if they sprout they will be weak growers and will only produce small bulbs.”
Store-bought garlic is flown in from different parts of the globe.
This means that planting a garlic clove may not be a variety that does well in your growing region.
“Most grocery store produce is grown outside of the local environment,” says Giuliano.
“It may not be the best variety to flourish in your growing zone.”
“you might buy an organic garlic from a local grocery store to get started,” says Spoonemore.
Another thing to consider is garlic sold at the grocery store is often sprayed so it won’t sprout.
Where To Plant Garlic
Garlic needs some depth for the bulb to grow.
Grow garlic in a deep pot or in a raised bed.
Choose a sunny area that receives plenty of direct sunlight each day, typically around six hours.
How To Plant Garlic In The Spring
Ready to plant your garlic cloves?
Here’s a step-by-step guide.
“Plant the garlic cloves 2-4 inches deep and 6-12 inches apart,” says Spoonemore.
If growing in several rows, space each row 12-18 inches apart, she adds.
When growing garlic in pots, don’t overcrowd the space by over planting cloves.
“Give your garlic ample space in each pot to avoid stunting bulb growth,” says Giuliano.
“Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch, like straw or leaves to retain moisture,” says Spoonemore.
“This helps the soil stay cool as temperatures warm up.”
Garlic likes to have moist soil but never too wet or soggy.
Water about one inch per week if there isn’t rainfall, says Spoonemore.
Typically, spring planted garlic is ready to harvest in late summer or early fall.
Garlic leaves will provide clues when harvest time is approaching.
“Harvest when lower leaves start to brown,” says Spoonemore.
“This is usually 4-8 months after planting, depending on variety.”
Want a better crop?
“Always use mulch,” says Giuliano.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, garlic can be grown in the springtime.
Garlic takes several months to grow after it’s been planted.
The exact amount of time will depend on the variety.
Store-bought garlic cloves are not the best option for growing garlic.
Purchase garlic from a local nursery or online retailer specializing in garlic.
If you’re growing a hardneck variety, it will produce garlic scapes.
These are considered a delicacy and are often used to make pesto.
Snip them to use in cooking and to promote growth in the bulb.
