Growing garlic in Florida might seem like a challenge, but with the right know-how, you can harvest beautiful bulbs right in your own backyard. The Sunshine State’s unique climate requires a specific approach, and this guide will share the essential secrets for success. Let’s get started.
Growing Garlic In Florida – Sunshine State Gardening Secrets
Florida’s warm weather and long growing season are perfect for many crops, but garlic needs a “winter” period to form bulbs properly. The secret lies in choosing the correct type and planting at the perfect time. Forget what you know about northern garlic farming; our methods are different here.
Why Garlic Grows Differently in Florida
Garlic typically requires a period of cold vernalization to trigger bulbing. Our mild Florida winters don’t provide that natural chill. This means we rely on two key adaptations: using the right garlic varieties and strictly controlling the planting schedule. If you plant at the wrong time, you’ll likely get only green tops, not plump bulbs.
Another factor is our high humidity and summer rainfall. Garlic needs to be harvested before the rainy season peaks to prevent rot. Timing is everything, from planting to harvest.
Choosing the Best Garlic for Florida Gardens
You cannot use garlic from the grocery store. It’s often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry disease. Always buy “seed garlic” from a reputable nursery or online supplier. For Florida, we focus on two main types:
- Softneck Garlic: This is the top recomendation for most of Florida. It adapts better to warmer climates, stores exceptionally well, and often produces more cloves per bulb. Artichoke and Silverskin subtypes are great choices.
- Hardneck Garlic: Generally prefers colder climates and performs poorly in South Florida. Gardeners in North Florida might have limited success with some varieties, but it’s less reliable and doesn’t store as long.
Some popular and proven varieties for Florida include ‘Italian Late’, ‘Susanville’, and ‘Inchelium Red’. Try a couple types to see which one thrives best in your specific microclimate.
The Critical Florida Garlic Planting Schedule
This is the most important secret. Planting too early or too late is the number one reason for failure.
- North Florida: Plant from late October through November.
- Central Florida: Plant in November.
- South Florida: Plant from late November through December, sometimes even into early January.
The goal is to get the cloves in the ground when the soil has begun to cool but well before any real chill. This gives them time to establish roots and recieve just enough cool weather as winter approaches to initiate good bulb formation next spring.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for a healthy start.
1. Preparing Your Planting Site
Garlic needs full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. The soil must be loose and drain incredibly well. Florida’s sandy soil is actually a benefit here, but it lacks organic matter.
- Raised beds are ideal for ensuring perfect drainage.
- Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
- Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test can confirm this.
2. Preparing and Planting Your Cloves
Break apart your seed garlic bulb into individual cloves just before planting. Keep the papery skin on each clove.
- Select the largest, healthiest-looking cloves for planting. Smaller cloves often produce smaller bulbs.
- Plant each clove pointed end up, about 2 inches deep.
- Space cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
- Water them in thoroughly after planting.
Caring for Your Garlic Crop
Consistent care through the growing season leads to a bigger harvest.
Watering and Mulching
Garlic likes consistent moisture, but wet feet cause rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
Apply a thick layer of mulch (like pine straw or hay) right after planting. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and helps moderate soil temperature. It’s a crucial step many gardeners forget.
Fertilizing for Success
Garlic is a heavy feeder. Prepare your soil with compost at planting. Then, follow a regular feeding schedule:
- At planting: Mix a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil.
- In early spring (when growth resumes): Side-dress with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to support leaf growth.
- Once the bulbs begin to swell (around March), switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to support bulb development. Stop fertilizing about a month before harvest.
Pests and Diseases to Watch For
Thankfully, garlic has few pest problems due to its natural repellent properties. However, our humidity can cause issues.
- White Rot: A serious fungal disease. Prevent it by rotating your garlic bed every year and avoiding planting other alliums (like onions) in the same spot for at least three years.
- Thrips: Tiny insects that can scar leaves. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can manage them.
- The biggest threat is bulb rot from overly wet soil. Ensuring perfect drainage is your best defense.
Knowing When and How to Harvest
Harvest time in Florida is typically from late April through early June, depending on your planting date and location. Don’t wait for the leaves to completely die back like in colder climates.
- Watch for the lower leaves to turn brown while the top 5-6 leaves are still green.
- Gently loosen the soil with a garden fork, being careful not to pierce the bulbs.
- Lift the plants carefully and brush off excess soil. Do not wash the bulbs.
Curing and Storing Your Garlic
Proper curing is essential for storage. Florida’s humidity makes this step tricky.
- Bundle 4-6 plants together and hang them, or lay them in a single layer on a rack.
- Choose a place that is dry, shaded, and has excellent air circulation—a garage, covered porch, or well-ventilated shed is perfect.
- Let them cure for 3-4 weeks. The outer skin will become papery, and the necks will tighten.
- Once cured, trim the roots and cut the stalks, leaving about an inch. Store your bulbs in a cool, dark, dry place. Softneck garlic, when cured correctly, can last for many months.
FAQ: Growing Garlic in the Sunshine State
Can I grow garlic from the grocery store in Florida?
It’s not recommended. Store-bought garlic is often from varieties unsuited for our climate and may be treated to prevent sprouting. Always start with certified seed garlic for the best results.
What is the best month to plant garlic in Florida?
For most of Florida, November is the ideal planting month. North Florida can start in late October, and South Florida gardeners should wait untill late November or December.
Why did my garlic not form bulbs?
The most common reasons are planting too late (missing the cool trigger), using the wrong variety (like a hardneck), or not providing enough consistent nutrients and water during the growing season. Timing is critical.
How do I deal with high humidity during curing?
Use a fan to improve air circulation in your curing area. A dehumidifier in a small room like a garage can also make a huge difference. Ensuring the garlic is fully cured before storage prevents mold later on.
Can I grow garlic in containers in Florida?
Absolutely. Use a deep pot (at least 12 inches) with excellent drainage holes. A high-quality potting mix is a must. Container garlic may need more frequent watering but is a great option for small spaces or problematic soil.
With these Sunshine State gardening secrets, you’re well-equipped to grow a successful crop of garlic. Remember, the keys are choosing softneck varieties, planting in the fall window, and ensuring great drainage. Paying attention to these details will lead to a satisfying harvest of homegrown garlic that you can enjoy for months to come.