Garlic plants are a species of perennial Allium, a genus of bulbous flowering plants. They grow from individual cloves planted in well-drained soil in the fall or early spring. Garlic plants have a tall, sturdy stem and long, flat, pointed leaves. The flower heads are small and white, and the bulbs are made up of multiple cloves. Garlic plants are highly aromatic and have a pungent flavor, which is why they are used in many dishes. Garlic plants are also known for their medicinal properties, and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.
Planning Your Garden With Garlic
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Garlic is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Garlic is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Garlic is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to 20. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest garlic is usually around 90-120 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown garlic plant is about 12-18 inches tall and 6-8 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | The best spacing for growing garlic is 6-8 inches apart. Planting garlic in rows with this spacing will ensure that the garlic bulbs have enough room to grow and mature. |
| Sun tolerance | Garlic is a sun-loving plant and can tolerate full sun. However, it prefers partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. |
| Shade tolerance | Garlic is a shade-tolerant plant and can tolerate light shade, but it prefers full sun. If planted in partial shade, it may not produce as much bulb size or flavor. |
| Water requirements | Garlic requires moist but well-drained soil and regular watering throughout the growing season. Generally, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the garlic plants deeply and evenly, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. If the soil dries out, water deeply to help the garlic bulbs develop properly. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing garlic depends on the type of soil you are using and the type of fertilizer you are using. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing garlic is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Garlic is Popular
People like to grow garlic for a variety of reasons. It is easy to grow, requires minimal maintenance, and is widely used in many cuisines. Garlic is also known for its health benefits, such as being a natural antibiotic and helping to reduce cholesterol. Additionally, it has a long shelf life and can be stored for up to 8 months after harvesting. Finally, the flavor of homegrown garlic is often stronger and more intense than store-bought garlic.
Companion Plants For Garlic
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for garlic include:
Common Pests For Garlic
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow garlic, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- fungus gnats
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- nematodes
- onion maggots
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
