Grow Garlic from Cloves
One clove becomes one whole head of garlic!
The Math
One head of garlic has 10-15 cloves. Each clove grows into a new head. One head becomes 10-15 heads. That's 100-225 cloves from your original head!
Step-by-Step Guide
Choose Good Garlic
Select firm, healthy heads. Organic or local garlic works best. Avoid soft, sprouting, or moldy cloves. Bigger cloves = bigger heads.
Separate Cloves
Break head apart into individual cloves just before planting. Keep the papery skin on each clove - it protects against rot.
Plant Pointy End Up
Plant cloves 2 inches deep, pointy end facing up. Space 4-6 inches apart. In containers, use well-draining potting mix.
Mulch & Wait
Cover with 2-4 inches of mulch (straw, leaves). Water well. Shoots appear in 2-4 weeks. Keep watered but not soggy.
Harvest
Harvest when lower leaves turn brown but top 5-6 leaves are still green (late June-July). Cure in a dry, shaded area for 2-4 weeks.
Quick Option: Garlic Greens
Don't want to wait 8 months? Grow garlic greens instead!
- • Plant cloves in a shallow pot indoors
- • Place on sunny windowsill
- • Harvest green shoots in 2-3 weeks
- • Use like green onions or chives
- • Mild garlic flavor, great in cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant grocery store garlic?
Yes, but results vary. Grocery garlic may be treated to prevent sprouting. Organic garlic works better. Best results come from seed garlic from nurseries, which is disease-free and adapted to your climate.
How long does garlic take to grow?
8-10 months from planting to harvest. Plant in fall, harvest following summer. You can also grow garlic for garlic greens (scapes) which are ready in a few weeks.
Can I grow garlic in containers?
Absolutely! Use containers at least 8 inches deep. Plant cloves 4 inches apart. Garlic is perfect for containers - it's low maintenance and doesn't take much space.
When should I plant garlic?
Fall is ideal (October-November in most areas). Garlic needs cold exposure to form bulbs. Spring planting works but produces smaller bulbs.