How Long Does Garlic Take To Grow

If you’re planning to grow garlic, your first question is probably, how long does garlic take to grow? The journey from planting a single clove to harvesting full bulbs is a rewarding one, but it does require patience. Most garlic varieties need about 8 to 9 months to reach maturity. This timeline makes it a classic “plant in fall, harvest in summer” crop for many gardeners.

Understanding this schedule is key to your success. You’ll need to plan ahead and choose the right type for your climate. Let’s break down the entire process so you know exactly what to expect each step of the way.

The total time from planting to harvest depends heavily on the type you choose and when you plant it. There are two main categories: hardneck and softneck garlic. Hardneck varieties are known for their complex flavors and produce a woody central stalk called a scape. They typically thrive in colder climates and are the ones that take about 8 to 9 months. Softneck garlic, the kind commonly found in supermarkets, prefers milder winters and can sometimes be ready a few weeks earlier, but often still fits the 8-month timeframe.

Your planting season is the other major factor. In most regions, garlic is planted in the autumn, usually between September and November. This allows the cloves to establish roots before winter dormancy and then explode with growth in spring. In warmer climates, a late-winter or early-spring planting is possible, but this will result in a slightly shorter, yet often smaller, growing period.

The Garlic Growth Timeline: A Season-by-Season Guide

Here’s what you can expect during each phase of the garlic’s life cycle.

Fall: Planting and Root Development

You plant individual cloves in the fall, pointy-end up. The goal is to get them in the ground about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes solid. During this period, the clove won’t send up green shoots, but it will develop a substantial root system. This hidden growth is crucial for a strong start in the spring.

Winter: Dormancy

The garlic enters a dormant state under the snow or cold soil. It’s not growing, but it’s not dead either. The cold period is actually essential for hardneck varieties to properly form bulbs later on. A good layer of mulch helps protect them from extreme temperature swings.

Spring: Rapid Green Growth

As the soil warms, green shoots will emerge. This is when the plant focuses all its energy on producing leaves. The more healthy leaves it has, the more energy it can store for the bulb. For hardneck garlic, you’ll also see the curly scape emerge from the center in early summer.

Early Summer: Bulb Formation

Once day length reaches a critical point (usually around 14 hours), the plant stops making leaves and starts diverting energy down to form the bulb. This is the key swelling period. For hardnecks, removing the scape once it curls helps the plant put more energy into the bulb.

Mid to Late Summer: Harvest Time

The lower leaves begin to turn brown and dry out. When about 50-60% of the leaves are still green and the bottom 3-4 have browned, it’s harvest time. Gently loosen the soil and lift the bulbs. Be careful not to pull them by the stems, as this can cause damage.

Step-by-Step: From Clove to Harvest

Follow these steps for the best chance of a succesful harvest.

Choose Your Garlic: Buy seed garlic from a reputable nursery or online supplier. Grocery store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting and may not be suited to your climate.
Prepare the Soil: Garlic loves loose, fertile, and well-drained soil. Add plenty of compost a few weeks before planting. A sunny spot is essential.
Plant the Cloves: Break the bulb apart into individual cloves just before planting. Plant each clove about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with the pointy end facing up.
Mulch Heavily: After planting, cover the bed with 4-6 inches of straw or shredded leaves. This insulates the soil, suppresses weeds, and retains moisture.
Spring Care: As growth resumes, keep the area weeded. Garlic doesn’t compete well. Water if the spring is dry, aiming for about 1 inch per week.
Remove Scapes (for Hardnecks): In early summer, cut off the curly flower stalk (the scape) to encourage larger bulb growth. Don’t throw them away—scapes are delicious to cook with!
Stop Watering: About 2-3 weeks before your expected harvest date, stop watering. This helps the bulbs cure and develop their protective papery skins.
Harvest: Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil beside the bulbs, then lift them out. Brush off excess dirt, but don’t wash them.
Cure and Store: Hang the bulbs in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place for 3-4 weeks. Once the necks are completely dry and tight, trim the roots and stems, and store them.

Common Problems That Can Delay Your Harvest

Several issues can slow down growth or reduce your yeild. Being aware of them helps you take preventative action.

Poor Seed Stock: Using small cloves or cloves from non-adapted varieties will set you back from the start. Always plant the largest, healthiest cloves from bulbs suited to your zone.
Incorrect Planting Time: Planting too late in fall gives cloves no time to root. Planting too early in spring shortens the growing season dramatically, resulting in small bulbs.
Weed Competition: Garlic has shallow roots and hates competing for nutrients and water. Consistent weeding is non-negotiable for good results.
Water Stress: Too little water in spring stunts growth. Too much water, especially near harvest, can cause rot or poor curing.
Nutrient Deficiency: Garlic is a heavy feeder. Soil lacking in organic matter will produce puny bulbs. A side-dressing of compost in early spring gives them a boost.
Pests and Diseases: Onion maggots, thrips, or fungal diseases like white rot can damage plants. Rotate your garlic bed every 3-4 years to minimize soil-borne issues.

Tips for a Faster Harvest? The Reality Check

While you can’t drastically shorten the natural 8-9 month cycle, a few practices ensure your garlic reaches maturity as quickly and healthily as possible.

Pre-sprout Cloves: Some gardeners place cloves in the refrigerator for a few weeks before planting to simulate winter, then pre-sprout them in a paper towel. This can give them a slight head start, especially for spring plantings.
Use Black Plastic Mulch: In cooler climates, laying black plastic over the bed can warm the soil faster in spring, triggering earlier growth.
Choose Fast-Maturing Varieties: Some softneck types, like ‘Early Italian’, are bred for slightly quicker maturation. Check with local growers for the best picks in your area.
Optimize Soil Fertility: The healthier the plant, the more efficiently it grows. Perfecting your soil pH (around 6.5 to 7.0) and nutrient levels prevents any growth delays.

Remember, garlic’s long growing season is what allows it to develop its incredible flavor and storage qualities. Rushing it usually leads to disapointment.

FAQ: Your Garlic Growing Questions Answered

Can you grow garlic from a clove?
Yes! This is exactly how you grow it. Each individual clove you plant will grow into a full new bulb.

How long to grow garlic from a clove?
This is the same as the full cycle. A single planted clove takes 8-9 months to become a harvestable bulb.

What is the garlic growing time for spring planting?
If planted in very early spring, garlic will have a shorter growing period of about 5-6 months. The bulbs are often smaller than fall-planted garlic, but it’s a good option for mild climates.

How long for garlic to grow in pots?
The timeline is similar, but pots dry out faster and get colder. Use a deep pot (at least 12 inches) and ensure excellent drainage. You might get slightly smaller bulbs, but the schedule remains about the same.

When is garlic ready to harvest?
Watch the leaves. When roughly half are brown and half are still green, it’s time. Don’t wait for all the leaves to die back, as the bulbs may begin to split and won’t store well.

Can I harvest garlic early?
You can harvest “green garlic” much earlier, similar to a green onion. The bulbs won’t be divided into cloves yet, but the entire plant is edible and has a mild, delicious flavor.

Growing garlic is an exercise in patience, but the reward is worth the wait. By understanding that it takes the better part of a year and by following the simple steps for care, you’ll be able to harvest a bounty of flavorful, homegrown garlic to enjoy for months to come. The key is to plan ahead, start with good stock, and let nature do it’s work on the right schedule.