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garden
Garlic
Allium sativum
EdibleMedicinal
Edible Partsbulb, leaves
Overview
Possibly the most important culinary and medicinal plant in human history, garlic has been used for over 5,000 years across virtually every culture on earth. Each head contains multiple cloves, each capable of growing into a new plant, making garlic one of the easiest crops to propagate. Hardneck varieties produce flavorful scapes (flower stalks) that are a prized seasonal delicacy.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 10
Height0.6m
Spread0.15m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanPerennial
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, loamy soil with good fertility
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Plant cloves 2" deep in fall; mulch heavily before freeze |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Harvest when lower 3-4 leaves turn brown; cure 2 weeks |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Plant cloves in fall; 4-6" apart |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Harvest when lower leaves brown; cure in shade 2 weeks |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall; needs 6-8 weeks before ground freezes |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Harvest when lower leaves brown; cure 2-3 weeks |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Plant in fall; softneck varieties recommended |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Jun | Harvest when lower leaves brown |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Nov — Jan (wraps) | Plant in late fall/winter; softneck varieties only |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Apr — May | Harvest in late spring before heat |
Uses
Culinary
- Foundation ingredient in cuisines worldwide
- Scapes used in pesto, stir-fries, and pickles
- Roasted whole as a spread or condiment
Medicinal
- Allicin provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
- Supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation
- Traditional immune tonic and cold remedy
Other Uses
- Companion plant that deters aphids, Japanese beetles, and fungal diseases
- Planted around roses and fruit trees for pest prevention
Safety Notes
Safe. Raw garlic can cause heartburn/digestive upset. When preserving in oil, refrigerate immediately — room temperature garlic-in-oil can grow botulism.
