Garlic is one of the easiest crops you can grow, yet most people keep buying it every week.
One garlic bulb contains multiple cloves. Each clove you plant becomes a full new bulb. That means one planting season can multiply your supply several times over.
With the right timing, spacing, and care, you can build a self-sustaining garlic supply that lasts for years.
Can You Grow Garlic From Grocery Store Garlic?
Yes, you can grow garlic from store-bought cloves as long as they have not been treated with sprout inhibitors. Organic garlic is more reliable because it is usually untreated.
If you notice small green shoots forming inside the bulb, that is a good sign it is viable for planting.
Each planted clove produces one complete bulb.
Why Grow Garlic Instead of Buying It?
Growing your own garlic gives you:
- Fresher, stronger flavor
- Control over chemicals and fertilizers
- Reduced packaging waste
- Long-term savings
- A renewable harvest each year
Store garlic is often harvested months before sale. Homegrown garlic is harvested at peak maturity and cured correctly.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Garlic
Not all grocery garlic performs equally.
Choose bulbs that are:
- Firm and plump
- Free from mold or soft spots
- Heavy for their size
- Intact with tight papery skin
Hardneck garlic
Best for colder climates. Produces edible scapes and has a bold flavor.
Softneck garlic
Better for warm climates. Stores longer and produces more cloves per bulb.
If you live in a mild or hot region, softneck varieties tend to perform better.
Step 2: When to Plant Garlic for Maximum Size
Timing directly affects bulb size.
Fall planting is ideal. Plant garlic 4 to 6 weeks before your first expected frost. This allows roots to establish before winter dormancy.
Spring planting is possible but usually produces smaller bulbs because the growing period is shorter.
In colder regions, plant in autumn. In very warm climates without frost, plant in late fall or early winter.
Step 3: Soil Conditions That Produce Large Bulbs
Garlic needs loose, well-draining soil. Compact soil results in small bulbs.
Ideal growing conditions:
- Soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0
- Rich organic matter
- Excellent drainage
- At least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily
Before planting, loosen soil 6 to 8 inches deep and mix in compost. Avoid fresh manure, which can cause disease and rot.
Step 4: Preparing the Cloves
Break the bulb apart carefully just before planting. Keep the papery skin intact, as it protects the clove during early growth.
Select the largest cloves for planting. Larger cloves produce larger bulbs.
Optional step: Soak cloves overnight in water or a mild baking soda solution, about one teaspoon per liter, to reduce fungal risk.
Step 5: How to Plant Garlic Properly
Planting depth and spacing matter.
Follow these steps:
- Plant cloves pointed end up, root side down
- Bury cloves about 2 inches deep
- Space cloves 4 to 6 inches apart
- Leave 8 to 12 inches between rows
- Cover with soil and apply mulch
Mulch helps retain moisture and protects roots from temperature swings.
Step 6: Caring for Garlic During Growth
Garlic is low maintenance but benefits from attention.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during early growth. Do not allow waterlogging. Once bulbs begin forming in late spring, reduce watering. Stop watering about two weeks before harvest.
Fertilizing
Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost every 3 to 4 weeks during early growth. Stop feeding once bulb formation begins.
Remove Scapes
If growing hardneck garlic, cut off the curly scapes when they appear. This improves bulb size.
Weeding
Keep the bed weed-free. Garlic does not compete well with weeds.
How Long Does Garlic Take to Grow?
Fall-planted garlic typically takes 8 to 9 months from planting to harvest.
Spring-planted garlic takes about 4 to 6 months.
Each clove becomes one full bulb.
When to Harvest Garlic
Garlic is ready when the lower leaves turn yellow and dry, while the upper leaves remain green.
If harvested too early, bulbs are small. If harvested too late, bulbs may split and store poorly.
In most regions, harvest occurs in late spring or early summer.
Loosen soil gently with a fork and pull bulbs carefully to avoid bruising.
How to Cure and Store Garlic Properly
Do not wash freshly harvested bulbs.
Shake off loose dirt and hang them in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area for 2 to 3 weeks.
After curing:
- Trim roots
- Cut stalks, leaving 1 to 2 inches
- Store in a cool, dark, ventilated space
Properly cured garlic can last 6 to 8 months.
Avoid refrigeration, which encourages sprouting.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Cloves not sprouting
Use organic garlic and ensure soil is not compacted.
Small bulbs
Plant larger cloves and fertilize early in the season.
Pests or fungal disease
Rotate crops yearly and avoid planting garlic in the same location continuously.
Pro Tips for Growing Grocery Store Garlic
- Rotate planting locations each year
- Always plant the largest cloves
- Use mulch generously
- Remove scapes for larger bulbs
- Save your best bulbs for replanting
How to Create an Endless Garlic Supply
After harvest, select the healthiest and largest bulbs for replanting. Plant again the following season.
Over time, garlic adapts to your soil and climate, improving productivity.
Within two to three seasons, you can build a completely self-renewing garlic system.
Final Thoughts
Growing garlic from store-bought cloves is simple, productive, and cost-effective. With proper timing, spacing, and care, one bulb can turn into years of supply.
Plant once. Multiply yearly. Stop buying garlic.
FAQs
Can you grow garlic indoors year-round?
Yes, garlic can be grown indoors, but it requires strong light. A south-facing window or a grow light providing at least 8 hours of light daily is essential. Indoor garlic often produces smaller bulbs, but it is suitable for growing green garlic shoots for cooking.
Does garlic need full sun or partial shade?
Garlic performs best in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate light shade, reduced sunlight often leads to smaller bulbs.
Can you grow garlic in tropical climates?
Yes, but variety selection is important. Softneck garlic performs better in warm and tropical climates. In very hot regions, planting during the coolest months of the year improves results.
How deep do garlic roots grow?
Garlic roots typically grow 6 to 12 inches deep. This is why loose, well-draining soil is important to allow proper root expansion and bulb development.
Why is my garlic only growing leaves and no bulbs?
Excess nitrogen late in the growing season or insufficient sunlight can cause strong leaf growth but poor bulb formation. Stop nitrogen feeding once bulbs begin forming and ensure adequate sun exposure.
Can you plant garlic from a single clove?
Yes. Even one clove can grow into one full bulb. If space is limited, planting a single clove is completely viable and will still produce a harvest.
What happens if you plant garlic too close together?
Overcrowding reduces bulb size because plants compete for nutrients and space. Proper spacing, about 4 to 6 inches between cloves, allows full bulb development.
How many times can you replant garlic from your own harvest?
You can replant garlic indefinitely. In fact, garlic often becomes better adapted to your soil and climate over multiple growing seasons.