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Wondering how to grow garlic in a pot? It is easier than most people expect, even on a small balcony or patio. Garlic needs a cold spell, a deep pot and steady, careful watering. This guide shows you how to choose the pot, prepare the soil, plant the cloves, care for them, and harvest and dry the bulbs.
When to Plant Garlic in a Pot
Most garlic is planted in autumn. Most varieties need one to two months of cool weather, roughly 32–50°F (0–10°C), to form good bulbs. In the UK, the Royal Horticultural Society suggests planting from mid-autumn to early winter. In the US, Illinois Extension advises planting about 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes. Planting at that time also gives the cloves time to root before winter.
Spring planting is possible, but there is a catch. Spring-planted garlic usually makes smaller bulbs. If you want to try it, plant a variety suited to spring, or chill the cloves in the fridge for several weeks first. See the spring section below for details.
Choosing the Right Pot for Garlic
Size and Depth
Choose a pot at least 10 inches (25 cm) deep. Garlic roots grow down, so depth matters more than width. A wide pot lets you plant several cloves at the same spacing used in the ground, about 6 inches (15 cm) apart. In a smaller pot, plant fewer cloves.
Material
Clay pots let air and moisture pass through, which helps the soil dry out between waterings. Plastic pots are lighter and hold moisture longer, so they can suit hot, dry spots. Dark metal pots can heat up in the sun, so they are a less good choice. Whatever you choose, make sure the pot has drainage holes. Garlic rots in standing water.
Preparing the Soil
Use a loose, well-draining potting mix. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends a peat-free multi-purpose compost for containers. If you prefer, mix in some extra compost to improve the soil. Then add a balanced fertilizer following the label, but avoid over-feeding, because too much fertilizer can burn the roots.
Choosing Garlic Varieties
There are two main types of garlic.
- Hardneck garlic has a stiff central stem and often produces edible flower stalks called scapes. It generally stores for about 4–6 months.
- Softneck garlic has a soft, flexible stem that braids easily and can store for up to a year.
Buy bulbs sold for planting, not supermarket garlic. Garden-center bulbs are chosen for your climate and are less likely to carry disease.
How to Grow Garlic Cloves in a Pot
- First, break the bulb into individual cloves. Keep the papery skin on each clove.
- Next, fill the pot with moist compost, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) below the rim.
- Then plant each clove with the pointed end up and the flat end down. Set the cloves about 6 inches (15 cm) apart, with the tips 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) below the surface.
- Finally, cover with compost and water gently.
Place the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot. Garlic needs plenty of light to form large bulbs.
Watering and Care
Garlic in a pot dries out faster than garlic in the ground, so check the compost regularly. Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry, and keep the compost evenly moist but never soggy. Water more often in warm weather and less in cool, wet weather.
During dry spells in spring and early summer, steady watering helps the bulbs swell. As the bulbs mature and the leaves start to yellow, reduce watering. Wet soil at that point can cause rot. Try to avoid wetting the leaves, because that can encourage fungal problems.
Mulching and Weeding
Add a thin layer of straw or shredded leaves on top of the compost. Mulch helps keep moisture in and weeds down. Even so, pull out any weeds as soon as you see them, because they compete with the garlic for water and nutrients.
Harvesting Garlic
Harvest when the leaves turn yellow and the tops begin to die back. Extension guidance suggests lifting the bulbs when about half of the foliage has turned brown. In the UK, autumn-planted garlic is usually ready from late spring to early summer, while in many parts of the US it is ready in June or July. Do not wait too long, because bulbs left in the ground or pot can split and store poorly.
To harvest, loosen the compost around the bulbs with a fork or your fingers. Then lift the plants gently, because bruised bulbs do not store well. Shake off loose compost, but do not wash the bulbs.
Drying and Storing Garlic
Drying, also called curing, helps garlic keep. Spread the bulbs in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot out of strong sun. Initial drying usually takes two to four weeks, although extension advice varies from one to six weeks depending on climate. Once the foliage is dry and rustles, you can trim the tops and roots.
After that, store the bulbs somewhere cool, dry and airy, in mesh or paper bags. Do not keep them in plastic bags, because moisture can lead to mold. Hardneck garlic keeps for about 4–6 months, while softneck can keep for up to a year. Save the largest bulbs to plant again in autumn.
Growing Garlic in the Ground
If you have garden space, plant garlic the same way, with cloves 6 inches (15 cm) apart and rows about 1 foot (30 cm) apart. Use well-drained soil with plenty of compost. In heavy or wet soil, you can start cloves in module trays and plant them out in spring. Garlic does not like soggy ground, so raised beds also work well.
Can You Plant Garlic in Spring?
Yes, but expect smaller bulbs. Maryland Extension notes that spring-planted garlic cannot grow enough leaf to support large bulbs. Cloves also need roughly two months of cool temperatures before bulbs start to enlarge. Therefore, if you plant in spring, chill the cloves in the fridge for several weeks first, as Illinois Extension suggests, and plant as early as the compost can be worked. The Royal Horticultural Society notes that some varieties are suited to late winter and early spring planting, and that spring-planted garlic is ready from mid-summer to early autumn.
Before You Go – How to Grow Garlic in a Pot?
Garlic is one of the simplest crops to grow in a pot. Plant in autumn, use a deep pot, water carefully, and dry the bulbs well. Once you have a harvest, save your best bulbs to plant next year.
References – How to Grow Garlic in a Pot?
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley
Sources
- Royal Horticultural Society. How to grow garlic.
- University of Maryland Extension. Growing garlic in a home garden.
- University of Illinois Extension. Planting and growing garlic.
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Frequently Asked Questions – How to Grow Garlic in a Pot?
What are the benefits of growing garlic in a pot?
A pot lets you control the compost and the position, and it suits small spaces. In addition, you can move the pot to a sunnier or more sheltered spot.
How deep should the pot be?
At least 10 inches (25 cm) deep, so the roots have room to grow.
What compost is best for garlic in pots?
A loose, well-draining multi-purpose compost is a good choice. Adding extra compost can improve it.
How often should I water garlic in a pot?
Water when the top inch of compost feels dry. Keep it evenly moist but not soggy, and reduce watering as the leaves yellow.
When is the best time to harvest garlic?
Harvest when the leaves turn yellow and about half the foliage has browned. The exact month depends on your climate and when you planted.
Can I plant supermarket garlic?
It is better to buy bulbs sold for planting. They are chosen for your climate and are less likely to carry disease.
What should I do after harvesting?
Dry the bulbs in a warm, airy spot, then store them somewhere cool and dry.