Ruqayyah Snyder
Homegrown garlic is a great way to ensure a fresh, chemical-free crop all year round. Garlic is easy to grow and can be planted in pots or garden beds. The best time to plant garlic in Australia is early autumn, in well-drained soil, with full sun for most of the day. The bulbs need a period of cold weather to initiate growth, and it takes around eight months for garlic to form a large, plump bulb. Garlic can be harvested when a few of the leaves start to yellow or brown, or when flower stalks start to bend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant | Early Autumn |
| Harvest time | 6-8 months after planting |
| Soil temperature | 10°C-35°C |
| Soil type | Fertile, well-drained, high pH (6-7.5) |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight |
| Watering | Moist soil, water after planting |
| Planting technique | Individual cloves 2-5cm deep, 10-15cm apart, pointy end up |
| Pests | Rarely affected, occasionally attacked by aphids |
| Cultivars | Hardneck and softneck varieties |
| Climate | Temperate or cool climates |
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What You'll Learn
Garlic grows best in Australia in autumn
Garlic is a rewarding crop to grow at home in Australia, and it does best when planted in early autumn. In Australia, the best time to plant garlic is between April and June.
Garlic grows well in consistently moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. The soil should be prepared by adding organic matter and manure a few weeks before planting. It is also important to ensure that the soil is loose and free-draining to prevent rotting. Garlic needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and can grow in full sun to part shade.
When planting garlic, it is important to choose a variety suitable for your climate. Softneck garlic, for example, is ideal for warmer climates and does not require long days of sunshine to form bulbs. Hardneck garlic, on the other hand, is better suited for colder winters and produces a flower spike with a stronger flavour.
To plant garlic, separate the bulbs into individual cloves and plant them 2-5 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart, with the tip just below the surface and pointing upwards. Rows should be spaced 30 cm apart. Water the garlic after planting to help settle the soil around the cloves. Garlic can be grown in pots or containers if your garden has heavy and wet soil.
Garlic takes around eight months to form large, plump bulbs. Harvest when a few of the leaves start to yellow or brown, or when flower stalks start to bend. It is important not to harvest garlic too early, as the individual cloves may not have had time to develop.
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Softneck garlic is ideal for Australia's warm climate
Australia's climate varies from warm and dry to hot and humid, and gardeners must consider their local conditions when planning what and when to plant. Softneck garlic, also known as 'non-bolting' or subtropical garlic, is ideal for Australia's warm climate. It includes varieties like Italian Red, Italian Pink, Australian White, Glenlarge, and Southern Glen. Softneck garlic is day-length neutral, meaning it doesn't require long days of sunshine to initiate the formation of the bulb. These varieties are also known as 'short day' garlic.
Softneck garlic is well-suited to Australia's warm climate due to its ability to thrive in warmer temperatures. It is characterised by its many smaller, softer neck cloves and flexible neck. It is commonly found in grocery stores and is known for its milder, sweeter flavour and longer shelf life. Softneck garlic typically has a milder flavour and a longer shelf life, making it suitable for warmer climates. It does not produce garlic scapes, making it easier to harvest and handle.
The best time for planting softneck garlic in Australia is early autumn, and it can be harvested around eight months later. Garlic needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and consistently moist soil. However, it is important to ensure good drainage to prevent the bulbs from rotting. Softneck garlic is a popular choice for home gardeners, as it produces large bulbs with many cloves, perfect for storage and cooking.
When harvesting softneck garlic, it is best to wait until the flower (hard neck) or stems/leaves (soft neck) have started to brown and die. If you want to use the chive-like stems of the soft neck varieties, harvest them when they are green. They have a pungent flavour and are best cooked. To harvest, use a trowel to gently lift from underneath while pulling on the stem. Softneck garlic is a great choice for Australian gardeners due to its adaptability to the warm climate and its mild flavour, long shelf life, and ease of harvesting.
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Hardneck garlic is better suited to cold winters
Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow and is a great way to ensure a fresh chemical-free crop to enjoy throughout the year. In Australia, the best time for planting garlic is early autumn. Softneck garlic, also known as non-bolting or subtropical garlic, is ideal for growing in warm climates. It is day-length neutral, meaning it doesn't require long days of sunshine to initiate bulb formation.
However, hardneck garlic is better suited to cold winters. It is the most cold-hardy garlic available and includes several varieties offering a range of robust flavours and a strong garlicky taste. The bulb has a rigid stem that produces a scape in early summer. While softneck garlic can be braided easily due to its flexible stem, hardneck garlic cannot be braided in the same way. Hardneck garlic also has a shorter shelf life than softneck varieties.
To survive the winter months, hardneck garlic needs to be well-insulated and protected from the cold. Gardeners should plant hardneck garlic in the fall, as the cool weather signals to the bulbs not to produce shoots yet. The soil in the fall has accumulated enough warmth over the summer for the garlic roots to grow as winter arrives. To insulate hardneck garlic, gardeners should cover it with a thick layer of mulch, such as leaves or straw, and fertilizer to promote strong root development.
In addition to insulation, gardeners can protect hardneck garlic from the cold by covering the beds with landscape fabric to prevent mulch from blowing away. They can also wrap containers in burlap or surround them with other containers to provide wind protection. Hardneck garlic can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F (-35°C).
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Soil preparation is key to prevent rotting
Garlic can be grown in many parts of Australia, and the best time for planting is early autumn. To prepare the soil for planting, it is important to test it for any deficiencies in nutrients and minerals and to determine its pH. The soil should be amended as needed to ensure it is fertile and well-drained.
Loam or sandy loam soil is ideal for garlic growth. Clay and silt soils, on the other hand, are more prone to becoming compacted and resisting water infiltration. If you have clay soil, you can improve drainage by planting in raised rows, raised beds, or large pots.
To prepare the soil, mix in composted cow manure, garden compost, or peat moss. You can also add organic materials like grass clippings and shredded leaves, which will help retain moisture and nutrients while improving soil structure. Make sure the soil is loose and free-draining to prevent the bulbs from rotting before they can send up shoots.
Fertilizer should be added to the planting hole before planting, rather than being sprinkled on top of the soil. After amending the soil, dig a trench or patch and sprinkle a balanced fertilizer that is slightly nitrogen-heavy. Then, add back enough soil to create the correct planting depth.
By preparing the soil properly, you can help prevent garlic rotting and promote a successful harvest.
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Harvesting time depends on the type of garlic
Garlic is typically ready to harvest eight months after planting, in June or July. However, the harvesting time depends on the type of garlic grown. In general, there are two types of garlic: softneck and hardneck.
Softneck garlic, also known as 'non-bolting' or subtropical garlic, is ideal for growing in warm climates. It includes varieties like Italian Red, Italian Pink, Australian White, Glenlarge, and Southern Glen. Softneck garlic is day-length neutral, meaning it doesn't require long days of sunshine to initiate bulb formation. Softneck garlic is typically harvested when the flower (hard neck) or stems/leaves (soft neck) have started to brown and die. If you're growing softneck garlic and want to use the chive-like stems, harvest them when they are green. They have a pungent flavour and are best cooked.
Hardneck garlic, on the other hand, grows best in regions with harsher, colder winters. Its deeper roots allow the plant to survive the freezing and thawing of the ground. Hardneck varieties include Rocambole, Purple Stripe, and Porcelain. Hardneck garlic is typically harvested when about 40% of their leaves are brown, while the rest remain green.
Additionally, there are early-season and late-season varieties of garlic. For example, artichoke garlic (soft neck) is typically harvested first, followed by rocambole garlic (hard neck).
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant garlic in Australia is early autumn, although there are some varieties that have been bred for spring planting.
Garlic grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and should be watered regularly.
Garlic takes around 6 to 8 months to grow. Harvesting can take place when a few of the leaves start to yellow and brown or when flower stalks start to bend.
