How Does Garlic Grow? From Clove to Bulb

Fall: the clove goes in

University of Minnesota Extension says to plant cloves in fall, usually one or two weeks after the first killing frost, pointed side up, with the base two to three inches below the surface. Utah State University Extension gives late September to November, and says garlic wants full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

Winter: roots, not leaves

Roots and shoots emerge from the clove by the first hard freeze, but the shoots usually stay under the soil until spring, according to Minnesota Extension. Utah State Extension puts it the same way: the root system develops through fall and winter while little top growth shows. A 3 to 4 inch mulch of leaves or straw softens the winter temperature swings.

Spring: leaves shoot up

Once hard freezes are over, pull the mulch back so the soil warms. The tops grow rapidly in spring. This is when the plant needs regular water and, if a soil test calls for it, nitrogen. Minnesota Extension says to stop nitrogen after the first week in May, or you may delay bulbing.

Early summer: the bulb forms

Hardneck garlic sends up a curly flower stalk called a scape. Cutting it can send more energy into the bulb, and the scape is good to eat. Stop watering once the leaves start to yellow. Each planted clove makes one bulb of about 10 to 15 cloves.

Harvest and curing

Harvest when the lower leaves have turned brown and about half of the upper leaves are still green, between late June and late July depending on variety and climate. Lift the bulbs gently, then cure the whole plants in a warm, dry, airy place for a few weeks until the skins are papery.

Hardneck garlic stores for a shorter time. Softneck garlic stores very well and is the one to braid.

Sources

• Growing garlic in home gardens (University of Minnesota Extension)
• How to Grow Garlic in Your Garden (Utah State University Extension)