Vegetables· Allium sativum

Garlic Growing Guide

Garlic is a bulb crop in the allium family, cultivated for thousands of years for culinary and medicinal purposes. Hardneck varieties produce scapes and complex flavors, while softneck types store longer and are suited to milder climates.

How Long Does Garlic Take to Grow?

Garlic is typically ready to harvest about 240 days after planting.

240

Days to Harvest

11,260

kg/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

13-24°C optimal

Rainfall

400-900 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

high

Drought Tolerance

moderate

Humidity

low tolerance

Heat Tolerance

moderate

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, silt loam

pH range: 6 - 6.6 (optimal: 6.3)

Drainage: excellent

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)moderate

Phosphorus (P)moderate

Potassium (K)high

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

clove planting

Planting Depth

5 cm

Plant Spacing

15 cm apart, 30 cm rows

Planting Season

fall

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

6,800 - 25,790 kg/ha

Market Demand

growing

Profitability

high

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

onion thrips
bulb mite
nematode
allium leaf miner

Common Diseases

white rot
botrytis
fusarium basal rot
downy mildew

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Plant cloves in fall, 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, with pointed end up and 5 cm deep; mulch heavily after planting.

Stop watering 2-3 weeks before harvest when lower leaves begin to brown; wet bulbs at harvest will not cure properly.

Cure bulbs for 2-4 weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area before storage to maximize shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Garlic take to grow?

Garlic typically takes 240 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 14 days. The best planting season is fall.

What soil does Garlic need?

Garlic grows best in loam, sandy loam, silt loam soil with a pH of 6-6.6. Excellent drainage is required.

What temperature does Garlic need?

Garlic grows best at 13-24°C. Frost tolerance: high. Heat tolerance: moderate.

What is the expected yield for Garlic?

Across 15 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Garlic range from 6,800 to 25,790 kg/hectare, with a median of 11,260. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.