How Long Does Garlic Take To Grow: 6 Essential Stages

How Long Does It Take for Garlic to Grow? A Complete Guide

Garlic is a rewarding and flavorful crop, celebrated for both its culinary uses and health benefits. However, if you’re new to growing garlic or planning your next season, you may wonder: How long does garlic really take to grow? The timeline from planting a clove to harvesting mature bulbs can be surprisingly long, depending on the method, climate, and variety you choose. This detailed guide will walk you through every stage of garlic’s growth, from planting through to harvest, with practical tips and clear timelines for both hardneck and softneck varieties.

Understanding Garlic’s Growth Timeline

Garlic is a long-season crop, meaning it takes many months to go from a planted clove to a full-sized bulb. The time it takes for garlic to grow depends on several factors, including whether it’s planted in the fall or spring, your climate, and the specific variety you choose.

• Fall-planted garlic: Typically takes 9 to 10 months from planting to harvest.
• Spring-planted garlic: Usually matures in 5 to 6 months, given a shorter growing season.

While this timeline may seem long, the stages of growth are fascinating and, with the right care, yield exceptional results in both bulb size and flavor.

Garlic Growing Stages: From Clove to Harvest

Garlic growing can be broken down into distinct stages. Knowing each one will help you better care for your crop and optimize your harvest. Below are the key stages garlic passes through:

1. Germination and Root Development

Each garlic bulb contains 6 to 15 individual cloves. Every clove acts as a seed—though, technically, garlic rarely reproduces by true seed anymore. After planting, the clove develops roots underground. This process is crucial, as strong roots anchor the plant and support nutrition through winter months.

• Fall planting: Roots grow before the ground freezes. Sprouting may not be visible for weeks to months, but underground growth is vital.
• Spring planting: Roots and shoots develop more quickly as soil warms, often producing visible green shoots in a few weeks.

Hardneck garlic varieties require a cold vernalization period to form proper bulbs, which happens naturally during winter for fall-planted garlic. For spring planting, some growers refrigerate cloves beforehand to simulate winter conditions.

2. Shoot Emergence

Once roots are established, garlic sends up green shoots. Timing varies by planting method and climate:

• Fall-planted garlic: May remain dormant through winter, with shoots emerging in late winter or early spring.
• Spring-planted garlic: Shoots can appear within a month after planting.

Early varieties, such as ‘Early Purple Wight’, are known for rapid spring emergence and earlier harvests, while others may take longer to sprout and mature.

3. Vegetative Growth and Bulb Development

Through spring, garlic focuses energy on producing lush, green leaves. Each leaf produced will eventually wrap around a developing bulb segment. The more healthy leaves, the larger the bulb can become.

• Strong vegetative growth leads to robust bulb formation.
• Nutrient-rich, well-draining soil supports maximum leaf and bulb development.

4. Scape Production (Hardneck Varieties)

In late spring or early summer, hardneck garlic varieties produce scapes—curly, edible flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. Scapes are a culinary delicacy but also serve an important purpose in garlic development:

• Removing scapes: Traditionally believed to help redirect energy into bulb formation, resulting in larger bulbs.
• Scapes can be harvested and stored for up to three months in refrigeration.

5. Bulb Maturation

After vegetative growth and (for hardneck types) scape removal, garlic shifts energy into swelling and dividing the underground bulb. This is the critical period that ultimately determines the size and quality of your harvest. Bulb size is closely related to:

• Number and health of green leaves at the start of bulb formation
• Adequate moisture and nutrients
• Consistent care and proper timing of scape removal

6. Harvest Readiness

Garlic is generally ready to harvest in mid-summer, though exact timing depends on variety and climate. Indicators of harvest readiness include:

• Lower leaves begin yellowing and drying out, while upper leaves remain green.
• Typically, when 30-50% of the leaves have browned, bulbs are mature but not overripe.

Softneck and hardneck garlic may mature at slightly different times, so check regularly during the expected harvest window.

Types of Garlic: Hardneck vs. Softneck

Understanding the differences between garlic types will help you choose the right variety for your climate and culinary needs:

Tips for Planting and Growing Garlic Successfully

To maximize your garlic harvest, follow these expert tips:

• Choose quality seed garlic: Use disease-free bulbs from reputable sources, not grocery store garlic.
• Prepare the soil: Garlic prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
• Space carefully: Plant cloves 4-6 inches apart and 2 inches deep.
• Mulch generously: Apply 3-6 inches of mulch (straw, leaves) to conserve moisture and protect cloves, especially in cold climates.
• Water regularly: Keep the soil evenly moist during active growth, reducing water as bulbs mature.
• Fertilize as needed: Nitrogen-rich amendments are beneficial during early vegetative growth.
• Remove weeds: Garlic does not compete well with weeds for nutrients and water.

Harvesting Garlic: When and How

Garlic can be harvested at several points in its lifecycle:

1. Early Spring (Green Garlic)

Pull young garlic plants for a milder, scallion-like flavor. Both the green shoots and the immature bulbs can be used in cooking—an excellent option if you have crowded rows or want an early harvest.

2. Early Summer (Garlic Scapes)

For hardneck varieties, snip the curly scapes as they appear. Use them in stir-fries, pestos, or as a fresh garnish. Removing scapes may also improve final bulb size.

3. Summer (Mature Bulbs)

This is the main garlic harvest, typically from July to August, depending on climate and planting time. To harvest:

• Loosen soil carefully with a fork, being careful not to damage bulbs.
• Gently lift bulbs and brush off excess soil. Do not wash them at this stage.
• Allow bulbs to cure in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated place for 2-3 weeks before trimming and storage.

Common Garlic Varieties and Their Timing

The garlic world includes a wide variety of cultivars, each with unique growth habits and flavor profiles:

• ‘Early Purple Wight’ (softneck): Fast to mature, often harvested in late May or early June in milder climates.
• ‘Cristo’ (softneck): Versatile for both fall and spring planting; faster shoot emergence when planted in spring.
• Classic hardneck types: Require fall planting and a full winter chilling for best results; ready by mid-to-late summer.

Factors Affecting Garlic’s Growth Timeline

Several variables can impact how quickly garlic grows and matures:

• Planting time: Fall planting takes longer overall but can yield larger bulbs; spring planting is faster but may produce smaller bulbs.
• Climate: Warmer climates speed up growth; cold climates require longer time for dormancy and vernalization.
• Soil quality and preparation: Well-drained, fertile soil directly affects bulb size and overall plant health.
• Watering consistency: Uneven watering can stress plants, slowing growth or causing split bulbs.
• Varietal differences: Some cultivars are bred for rapid maturity, while others take longer but store better or have unique flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does garlic take to grow from planting to harvest?

Fall-sown garlic typically takes 9-10 months to mature, while spring-sown garlic can be harvested in 5-6 months, depending on variety and climate.

When is the best time to plant garlic?

The best time for most gardeners is in the fall, a few weeks before the ground freezes. In milder climates or with certain varieties, planting in early spring is also effective.

Do I need to remove garlic scapes?

For hardneck garlic, removing the curly scapes is generally recommended as it can channel more energy into bulb formation. Plus, scapes are delicious in the kitchen.

How can I tell when garlic is ready to harvest?

Garlic is ready when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and dry, but upper leaves are still green. Typically, wait until about 30-50% of the leaves are brown before harvesting.

Why is my garlic small?

Small bulbs are usually the result of poor soil, overcrowding, inadequate water, or planting too late. Choose large, healthy cloves and provide consistent care for best results.

Conclusion

Growing garlic is a patience-testing but highly rewarding process. Depending on when and what you plant, it can take from 5 months (spring-planted) up to a full 10 months (fall-planted) to reach harvest. Understanding the growing stages, choosing suitable varieties, and providing appropriate care—from mulching and watering to harvesting at the right time—are crucial for producing plump, flavorful bulbs every season. With these insights and tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy homegrown garlic that rivals anything you can buy at the store.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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