How to Grow Garlic Indoors: A Complete Guide

Growing garlic: problem solving

Garlic is generally pest free and is only affected by a few problems:

BirdsBirds will pull plants out of the ground when leaves are emerging, especially if the cloves are planted too shallow in the soil. Cover the area with netting or horticultural fleece immediately after planting and don’t remove it until the young plants are well rooted, able to resist pulling.

Onion white rotOnion white rot is hard to detect until it’s too late – the first sign that anything is wrong is usually yellowing, wilting foliage, which tends to occur around harvest time, when you’d expect the leaves to be dying back anyway. When you dig up the plant, you’ll notice a white fluffy fungus on the base of the bulb, along with tiny black growths. In severe cases, the bulb will be black and rotten.

Onion white rot is a soil-borne disease, and the problem can persist for years. Avoid spreading the infection around the garden on boots and tools, as the disease can affect the whole allium family, including onions and leeks. Dig up all of the affected plants and bin or burn them – do not add them to the compost heap. You may be able to salvage some of your crop to eat, but it won’t store well. In future, grow garlic in containers, in fresh soil that does not come from the garden.

Leek rust Garlic can be affected by leek rust, a fungal infection that is more common in wet weather. There is no cure, but fortunately the infection is rarely likely to seriously affect your crop. Orange pustules appear on the leaves in summer, which then begin to die back. The bulbs are perfectly safe to eat but it’s a good idea to remove affected foliage or harvest and eat affected bulbs immediately to prevent the disease spreading. Dispose of the rest of the plant material (bin or burn it – don’t add to the compost heap). In future, choose a variety that has some resistance to rust and plant the cloves with larger spacings to increase airflow and reduce humidity.

Watch Monty Don’s video guide, below, on dealing with rust on garlic: Green Video Post Element Video ID: “2be85af4c03fbf25705d43e8e1c430fcc0b8dabe” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Suite settings) might be invalid.

How to prepare and use garlic

Crush, slice or finely chop, or roast cloves whole, to add flavour to many dishes. Hardneck varieties tend to have more flavour than softnecks, so work well when roasted whole.

Watch this 23-second video demonstration from our friends at olive magazine on how to chop and crush garlic. Green Video Post Element Video ID: “2861b2c1fc42b26f44606bfa6668024158695434” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Suite settings) might be invalid.

How To Grow Garlic Indoors Anytime Anywhere

FAQ

Does garlic grow well indoors?

It’s possible to grow garlic in pots indoors. However, without the use of supplemental lighting, indoor garlic is best grown for its edible leaves rather than for the bulbs. Simply place planted cloves in a south-facing window once the leaves push through the soil surface, and keep the pot well watered.

Can you grow garlic from a clove?

• Timing:

  Garlic is best planted in late fall or early winter, allowing the cloves to establish roots before the ground freezes. In warmer climates, you can plant in early spring. 

• Preparation:

  • Gently separate the cloves from the bulb, leaving the papery skin on. 

  • Avoid damaging the flat, basal plate (where roots will grow). 

• Planting:

  • Plant the cloves pointy side up, about 1-2 inches deep (or 3-4 inches deep in colder climates). 

  • Space cloves 6-8 inches apart and rows 12-18 inches apart. 

  • Ensure the soil is well-drained and amended with compost or well-rotted manure. 

• Aftercare:

  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. 

  • Water regularly, especially during dry periods. 

  • Remove any flower stalks (scapes) that appear, as they divert energy from bulb development. 

• Harvest:

  • Garlic is typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, when the foliage starts to yellow and die back. 

  • Dig up the bulbs gently and let them dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few weeks before storing. 

How long does it take to grow a full bulb of garlic?

Typically, it takes about 8 to 10 months to grow from planting to harvest. The specific time varies from the garlic variety and climate. Generally, you can plant it in the fall before the ground freezes, since this will allow it to establish roots over winter and continue to grow in the spring.

Can you plant garlic cloves from the grocery store?

• It’s Possible, but with Considerations:

  While you can plant garlic cloves from the grocery store, it’s important to be aware that these cloves are often treated with sprout inhibitors to ensure longer shelf life. 

• Sprout Inhibitors:

  These treatments can make the cloves less likely to sprout and grow successfully. 

• Organic Options:

  If you can find organic garlic at the grocery store, it’s less likely to have been treated with sprout inhibitors. 

• Planting Tips:

  • Timing: Plant garlic cloves in the fall, ideally a few weeks before the first frost, allowing them to establish roots before the ground freezes. 

  • Soil: Choose a well-drained, loamy soil and amend it with compost. 

  • Spacing: Plant cloves with the pointy end up, spacing them about 3-4 inches apart, and cover them with a few inches of soil. 

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. 

  • Sunlight: Ensure the planting area receives adequate sunlight. 

• Alternatives:

  Consider purchasing seed garlic from a reputable source for a higher chance of success, especially if you’re in a specific climate or want to grow a particular variety. 

• Harvesting:

  Garlic typically takes 6-7 months to mature, so be patient and wait for the leaves to yellow and die back before harvesting. 

How do you grow garlic in a pot?

Using a small trowel, gently lift from underneath the bulb and pull on the stem. Hang harvested plants, with the leaves still attached, in an airy sheltered spot for about a month to dry and cure. Then your Garlic is ready to use! Choose a pot at least 30-40 cm wide and 20 cm deep.

How long does it take to grow garlic indoors?

How to grow garlic indoors. A quick nutritious crop ready for light harvest in two weeks. Nutritious greens ready for light harvest after only two weeks. It’s easy to grow your own garlic indoors in pots, even if you are a beginner gardener.

Can garlic be grown indoors?

Garlic can be grown indoors, but it requires more planning and patience. The bulbs need to be chilled for at least a few weeks to replicate winter. Harvesting can still take up to nine months. Spinach, on the other hand, is well-suited to growing indoors due to its cooler climate personality and the less intensive light requirements.