How long does garlic take to grow uk
Garlic in the UK takes 8 to 9 months from autumn planting to harvest. Learn exact timing, varieties, and steps for a successful crop.
In the UK, garlic takes about 8 to 9 months from planting to harvest. If you plant cloves in October or November, you will dig up bulbs in June or July the following year. This long growing season is normal and gives the bulbs time to develop their full flavor and size.
Why so long?
Garlic needs a period of cold (vernalization) to trigger bulb formation. In the UK, autumn planting provides this naturally. The cloves grow roots before winter, go dormant in the cold, then
resume growth in spring. The total time from planting to harvest is long, but most of it is passive waiting.
Planting times by UK region
The UK spans USDA zones 8 to 9, but local conditions vary. Use these general dates:
| Region | Planting Window | Harvest Window |
|---|---|---|
| Southern England | October to November | June to July |
| Midlands | October | July |
| Northern England | September to October | July to August |
| Scotland | September to October | August |
Plant at least 2 to 4 weeks before the ground freezes. In mild coastal areas, you can plant as late as early December, but earlier is safer.
Choosing varieties for UK gardens
Pick varieties suited to UK conditions. Hardneck types do well in cooler areas; softneck types prefer milder winters.
- Hardneck: ‘Carcassonne Wight’, ‘Lautrec Wight’, ‘Purple Wight’. These have a stiff stem and produce scapes (flower stalks) in early summer. Remove scapes to boost bulb size.
- Softneck: ‘Solent Wight’, ‘Picardy Wight’. These have flexible stems and store longer. They are better for braiding.
Buy certified virus-free bulbs from a reputable supplier. Supermarket garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry disease. Expect to pay £5 to £10 for a bulb of seed garlic, which yields about 8 to 12 cloves.
Step-by-step planting guide
- Prepare the soil: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Add compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting. Garlic dislikes waterlogged ground.
- Break the bulb: Separate cloves only when you are ready to plant. Keep the papery skin on.
- Plant cloves: Push each clove into the soil, pointy end up, with the base about 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Space cloves 6 inches (15 cm) apart in rows 12 inches (30 cm) apart.
- Mulch: In colder areas, cover with a 2 to 3 inch layer of straw or leaves to protect from frost heave.
- Water: Water in after planting if the soil is dry, then leave alone. Autumn rains usually suffice.
Caring through the seasons
- Winter: Minimal care. Check that mulch stays in place after storms.
- Spring: In March, remove some mulch to allow soil to warm. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood, fish, and bone) at 2 oz per square yard (50 g per square meter) when shoots appear.
- Scapes: In June, hardneck varieties send up curly scapes. Cut them off when they curl; this directs energy to the bulb. Scapes are edible and taste like mild garlic.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist in spring, but stop watering in June as bulbs mature.
Harvesting at the right time
The key sign is yellowing leaves. When the lower leaves turn brown and dry, but the upper leaves are still green, it is time to harvest. In the UK, this is usually late June to August, depending on region and variety.
To check, dig up one bulb. If the cloves fill the skin and the bulb is well formed, harvest the rest. If the bulb looks small, wait another week.
Use a fork to loosen the soil, then lift the bulbs gently. Do not pull by the stems, as they may break.
Curing and storing
Curing is essential for long storage. Hang bulbs in a dry, airy, shaded place for 2 to 4 weeks. After curing, trim roots and cut stems to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the bulb. Store in a cool, dry place (50 to 60°F, 10 to 15°C). Softneck varieties store for 6 to 9 months; hardnecks for 3 to 4 months.
Common problems
- Rust: Orange pustules on leaves. Avoid overhead watering and plant resistant varieties like ‘Solent Wight’.
- White rot: Yellowing leaves and white mold at the base. Remove affected plants and do not grow garlic in the same spot for 8 years.
- Bolting: Hardneck varieties may bolt if stressed. Remove scapes immediately.
FAQ
Can I plant garlic in spring in the UK? Yes, but bulbs will be smaller. Plant in February or March for a late summer harvest. Choose softneck varieties that need less cold.
How do I know when garlic is ready to harvest? When the lower leaves turn brown and dry, but the upper leaves are still green. This is usually 3 to 4 weeks after scapes appear.
Can I grow garlic in pots? Yes, use a pot at least 8 inches (20 cm) deep and 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Plant one clove per 4 inches (10 cm) of pot diameter. Water more often than ground plants.
Why is my garlic small? Likely planted too late, too shallow, or in poor soil. Also, removing scapes too late can reduce size. Plant early, plant deep, and feed in spring.
The bottom line
Garlic in the UK takes 8 to 9 months, but the hands-on time is minimal. Plant in autumn, care lightly in spring, and harvest in summer. Choose the right variety for your region, plant at the right depth, and you will have a rewarding crop. Start now: order seed garlic for autumn planting, prepare your soil, and mark your calendar for harvest in late June or July.