There are two main types of garlic: softneck, which produces numerous smaller cloves, and hardneck, which has fewer, larger cloves surrounding a stalk or “scape”. Elephant garlic is not a true garlic (more closely related to leeks), but its cultivation is similar to that of true garlics. It has very large, mild-flavored cloves.
A useful mnemonic for remembering the planting and harvesting tasks: Plant by Thanksgiving (November), fertilize around St. Patrick‘s Day (March), stop watering by Mother‘s Day (May), and harvest around Father‘s Day (June).
Cultural Tips for Growing Onions and Garlic, UC IPM
Planting
- Plant in late fall, at least two weeks before the first frost (mid-October through the end of November).
- Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil amended with organic matter.
- Break the garlic head into individual cloves, taking care to retain the root callus and papery covering on each clove. Use the largest cloves for planting because larger cloves will yield larger bulbs.
- Plant cloves 4 to 6 inches apart and 1 to 2 inches deep, with the root side down and the pointy tip up.
- Fertilize once after planting and again when the weather warms up in the spring.
- If a scape appears (a central stalk), remove it to preserve the bulb size. Scapes are edible when young and tender.
Harvesting
- Stop watering in May when the garlic tops begin to turn yellow.
- Allow the bulbs to remain in the ground for several weeks. After the tops turn brown, around mid-June, dig them up. Be careful not to nick the bulbs when digging.
- Cure the bulbs for about two weeks after harvest by placing them in a warm place with no direct sun, and with good circulation.
- The tops may be braided into a rope of garlic for hanging or trimmed off as desired. Trim the roots.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Pest management
Onion and garlic pests and disorders, UC IPM
More links
- Garlic: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve, and Enjoy, UC ANR publication 8568
- Video: How to Grow Garlic [2:17]
- Video: How to Grow and Harvest Elephant Garlic [5:12]
- Video: When to Fertilize Garlic [0:56], with Fertilizing Garlic Demonstration [0:54]
Recommended varieties for Santa Clara County*
| California Early White | A subtle, mild tasting garlic variety developed for the California garlic industry, known as Gilroy garlic |
| California Late White | One of the two Gilroy cultivars |
| Chesnok Red | A true medium hardneck garlic with purple stripes |
| Inchelium Red | A soft neck garlic that is mild at harvest but increases in flavor during storage, and with just a touch of spicy heat |
| Music | Full flavored, rich aromatic flavor. It is a go-to for many first time growers |
| Spanish Benitee | Mild pungency with long storability |
| Susanville | Considered an improved selection of California Early |
Other recommended varieties: Burgundy, Georgia Crystal, Rosewood
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.