Growing Garlic

Allium sativum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
        P P            

(Best months for growing Garlic in New Zealand - temperate regions)

  • P = Plant cloves
  • Easy to grow. Plant cloves. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 5 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Dill, Tomatoes, Parsnips
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Beans, Brassicas, Peas, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
20 Jul 18, Prakash (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Is it late to plant garlic in July in nz subtropical
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Jun 19, Jill (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have an 8cm tray. Would this be deep enough to grow garlic in?
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Jun 19, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you want to check it 3 times a day to see if the soil is moist enough.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Jun 19, Meredith Wardlaw (Australia - arid climate)
What is the best way to test if moist enough?
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Aug 19, Jules Sturm (New Zealand - temperate climate)
With all plants this method works & I'm not being sarcastic. Poke your finger 1- 3cm into soil & if soil sticks to your finger then it it moist .the old saying and rule of thumb is a thumb & & and a thumb nail ...that's a little bit of dirt left on your finger ....
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Aug 19, Jules Sturm (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Here's a tip ,to get your garlic sprouting prior to planting ( using cloves) separate the cloves ,place on a plate & put in the fridge ..the temperature drop & darkness shocks them into sprouting ...you will get both root& shoot growth so plant when roots about 5-10mm long ...
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Aug 19, anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Also plant around end of June.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Mar 20, TIME SALANOA (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi i am really try to find a place in NZ to buy a garlic to plant in my garden,any help for me please.Thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Mar 20, anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Look up seed selling places on the internet.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Mar 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
GOOGLE - where to buy garlic in NZ.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 11 - 20 of 24 comments
See comments for all plants

Lucky for you, you're in the same climate zone as the famous garlic producing town of Gilroy, CA. I understand they plant around late October/November and harvest in June or July. I'm not sure what the result will be for you since you planted yours later and garlic needs a very long season. Try pulling them up in July. If your weather gets very hot before then I'd put some light shade cloth over the garlic to bring the temperature down a few degrees. You may find that your bulbs are smaller than you hoped for, or that it only makes one large clove instead of separate cloves. They should still be good, just not ideal. Then try planting again around Halloween and your garlic should be much bigger next year. Btw, I'm not sure why the chart says garlic shouldn't be planted in 9a. Certainly 9a on the West Coast can and does plant it.

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.