Garlic, Allium sativum, is botanically speaking a cool-season vegetable, however is often used as and referred to as an herb due to it’s aromatic qualities.
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When to Plant Garlic
Plant garlic in the fall, typically between late September and November, depending on your location. The goal is to plant it a few weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the cloves time to establish roots before winter sets in. In warmer climates, like Arizona, you can plant a bit later, even into December.
Arizona’s gardening zones vary depending on where you live in Arizona.
When to Plant Garlic in Arizona
In Phoenix plant garlic in November or December. In Prescott and Sedona plant garlic in September or October. Growing garlic in Flagstaff? Plant garlic in mid-August through mid-September.
Types of Garlic
Garlic comes in two main types: hardneck and softneck. Each has its unique characteristics:
Hardneck Garlic
Known for its hard, central stalk and complex flavors, hardneck garlic is perfect for cold climates. It produces fewer but larger cloves, making peeling easier. Varieties include Rocambole, Porcelain, and Purple Stripe. This type of garlic is best for colder climates like those in gardening zones 1-6, those with cold winters.
Softneck Garlic
This type thrives in milder climates and has a softer stem, making it ideal for braiding. It yields more cloves per bulb and has a longer shelf life. Varieties include Artichoke and Silverskin. This type of garlic is the best for warmer climates and gardening zones 8-10.
How to Plant Garlic
Garlic, Allium sativum, prefers soil temperature to be around 50 degrees.
Garlic loves well-drained, fertile soil. Add compost to enrich the soil. Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves, keeping the papery skins intact.
Place each clove 2-4 inches deep, pointed end up, and about 6 inches apart. Rows should be spaced 12-18 inches apart.
Cover the planted cloves with soil and add a layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, to protect them from extreme temperatures and retain moisture.
Companion Plants for Garlic
Garlic is a great companion plant, as it repels pests and enhances the growth of neighboring plants. Grow garlic with tomatoes, carrots, peppers and spinach.
Garlic deters spider mites and helps improve tomato flavor. It can ward off carrot flies, protect peppers from aphids and deter leaf miners from munching on your spinach.
Avoid planting garlic near legumes like beans and peas, as it can stunt their growth.
How to Care For Garlic
Light Requirements: Garlic needs 6-8 hours of sun a day. Plant where garlic receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Soil Requirements: Garlic loves well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Water Requirements: Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Reduce watering as the bulbs mature to prevent rot.
How Fast Does Garlic Grow?
Garlic grows relatively slowly, taking about 6-7 months from planting to harvest. You’ll see green shoots in early spring, which continue to grow and develop into sturdy stalks. By early summer, the garlic bulbs start to swell and mature underground.
When to Harvest Garlic
When the lower leaves turn yellow and begin to dry out, but the upper leaves are still green it’s a signal the garlic is ready for harvest. Typically, this happens in late spring to mid-summer depending on your location. In Phoenix, garlic is ready to harvest in May or June.
Harvest softneck garlic when about half of the leaves are still green. For hardneck garlic wait until the scapes (flower stalks) curl and start to straighten out. Cut the scapes to encourage bulb growth a few weeks before harvesting.
To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork or spade and lift them out. Avoid pulling by the stems to prevent damage.
How to Cure and Store Garlic
After harvesting garlic shake or brush off excess soil, don’t get garlic wet though as this can promote mold growth. Hang the bulbs in bundles and hang in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Allow the garlic to cure until the outer skins are papery and the bulbs are fully dry. The bulbs should feel firm. This process can take a few weeks. After garlic is cured, trim the roots and cut the stems just above the bulb. Store in a cool dry place.