You can grow garlic indoors, but the results depend on what you expect. Garlic grows easily indoors for green shoots, often called garlic greens. Growing full garlic bulbs indoors is possible, but it requires strong light, proper container depth, and in some cases, a cold treatment period to trigger bulb formation.
If your goal is fresh garlic leaves for cooking, indoor growing is simple. If you want full-sized bulbs, it takes more planning.
Below is exactly how to do both successfully.
What Happens When You Grow Garlic Indoors?
Garlic naturally grows outdoors where it experiences seasonal temperature changes and strong sunlight. Indoors, conditions are more controlled, but they can also limit bulb development.
Indoors, garlic typically does one of two things:
- Produces green shoots quickly and easily
- Produces small or moderate bulbs if conditions are ideal
Understanding this difference helps you set realistic expectations.
Growing Garlic Indoors for Green Shoots
If your goal is fresh garlic greens, indoor growing is very easy.
Garlic greens taste similar to mild garlic and can be used in salads, soups, stir-fries, and garnishes.
How to Grow Garlic Greens Indoors
- Fill a shallow container with potting mix
- Separate garlic cloves without peeling the skin
- Plant cloves pointed end up, about 1 inch deep
- Place container near a bright window
- Water lightly to keep soil moist
Shoots usually appear within one to two weeks. Once they reach several inches tall, you can trim them and allow regrowth.
Garlic grown this way does not typically form large bulbs.
Growing Full Garlic Bulbs Indoors
Growing bulbs indoors requires more effort.
Light Requirements
Garlic needs strong light to form bulbs. A bright south-facing window may work, but in many cases, grow lights are necessary.
Aim for 10 to 12 hours of strong light daily for best bulb development.
Insufficient light often results in thin leaves and small bulbs.
Container Depth
Use a container at least 8 to 10 inches deep. Garlic roots need room to expand.
Proper spacing is also important. Leave about 4 to 6 inches between cloves.
Cold Exposure and Bulb Formation
Hardneck garlic requires a cold period to trigger proper bulb development. This process is called vernalization.
If you are growing hardneck garlic indoors in a warm environment, you may need to chill the cloves in a refrigerator for several weeks before planting.
Softneck garlic generally requires less cold exposure and is more adaptable for indoor growing.
Watering Indoor Garlic
Indoor containers dry differently than outdoor soil.
Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Overwatering is one of the most common indoor mistakes.
Good drainage is essential to prevent rot.
Fertilizing Garlic Indoors
Garlic benefits from nitrogen early in its growth to support leaf development. Once bulbs begin forming, reduce nitrogen feeding.
Overfeeding late in the season can result in more leaves and smaller bulbs.
How Long Does Indoor Garlic Take to Grow?
Garlic grown for greens can be harvested within a few weeks.
Garlic grown for bulbs typically takes several months, similar to outdoor growth, depending on variety and conditions.
Indoor-grown bulbs may be smaller than those grown outdoors due to light limitations.
Is It Worth Growing Garlic Indoors?
If you want fresh garlic greens year-round, indoor growing is very practical.
If you want large, full bulbs, outdoor growing usually produces better results. Indoor bulb growing works best when supported by strong lighting and proper cold exposure.
Many growers use a combination approach, growing greens indoors and full bulbs outdoors when possible.
Final Thoughts
You can grow garlic indoors successfully, especially for fresh greens. For full bulbs, you must provide strong light, proper container depth, and in some cases, cold exposure.
Indoor garlic growing works best when expectations match the environment. With the right setup, even a small indoor space can produce useful harvests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grow garlic indoors year-round?
Yes, especially for garlic greens. For bulb production, success depends on providing enough light and, for some varieties, cold exposure.
Does indoor garlic need grow lights?
In many homes, yes. Natural window light is often not strong enough for full bulb formation.
Can you plant store-bought garlic indoors?
Yes, as long as it has not been treated to prevent sprouting. Organic garlic is usually the safest choice.
Why is my indoor garlic not forming bulbs?
The most common causes are insufficient light or lack of cold exposure in hardneck varieties.
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