How to Grow Garlic in Pots: A Complete Guide

How to Grow Garlic in Pots

A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Why Grow Garlic in Containers?

Growing your own garlic is a very fulfilling task. The varieties available to home growers are far more diverse and flavorful than what you can find at the grocery store. Plus, growing garlic is pretty easy, even in containers!

Container gardening offers several advantages:

Perfect for small spaces, balconies, and patios
Better control over soil conditions
Fewer problems with pests and weeds
Ability to move plants as needed for optimal sunlight
Easier to protect from extreme weather conditions

Did You Know?

Garlic has a long growing season. It takes about 8 to 9 months for a small planted garlic clove to develop into a ready-to-harvest head of garlic. Typically, in cooler climates, the cloves are planted in the autumn (usually around the time of your first frost) and the heads aren’t harvested until the following summer.

Choosing the Right Garlic Type

There are two main types of garlic for growing in containers or in the ground. Your climate will help determine which type is best for your situation:

Hardneck Garlic

Best for cold climates with freezing winters
Produces a flowering stem called a “scape”
Larger, but fewer cloves per head
Stronger, more complex flavor
Shorter storage life (4-6 months)
Requires 6-8 weeks of temperatures below 45°F

Softneck Garlic

Best for mild climates without harsh winters
No flowering stem
More numerous, but smaller cloves
Milder, sweeter flavor
Longer storage life (up to 12 months)
Easier to braid for storage

Tip for Warm Climates

If you live in a warmer climate that doesn’t receive at least 6 to 8 weeks of temperatures below 45°F, you have one of two options:

Grow softneck garlics by planting them in the fall, or
Pre-chill hardneck garlics to “fake winter” by placing the bulbs in a paper bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for about 8 weeks before planting in early spring.

Selecting the Perfect Container

When choosing a container for growing garlic, several factors are important to consider:

Container Size

Your selected container needs to be at least 8 inches deep to allow ample room for roots to grow. The width determines how many cloves you can plant – each clove needs about 4-6 inches of space.

Material Matters

While terra cotta pots are popular, they are not the best option for growing garlic. Their porous nature requires frequent watering, and they can crack in freezing temperatures.

Instead, choose one of these options:

Plastic containers – Lightweight, retain moisture well, and won’t crack in winter
Glazed ceramic – Attractive and frost-resistant (ensure they’re labeled as “frost-proof”)
Fiberstone or plasti-stone – Durable and weather-resistant

Essential Features

Drainage holes are absolutely necessary
Frost-proof material if leaving outdoors in winter
Large enough to space cloves 3-4 inches apart

Container Guidelines

Small pot (6″ diameter): Plant 2-3 cloves
Medium pot (10-12″ diameter): Plant 4-6 cloves
Large pot (18-22″ diameter): Plant 8-12 cloves

Preparing the Perfect Soil Mix

Soil quality is critical for growing healthy garlic. The ideal soil mix serves two important purposes:

Drainage – prevents cloves from rotting, especially during winter months
Fertility – provides nutrients for healthy growth and bulb development

The Ideal Soil Recipe

Mix these components for optimal growing conditions:

75% high-quality potting soil
25% compost
2-3 tablespoons of bulb-specific organic fertilizer

This blend creates a well-draining yet nutritious environment that supports the long growth cycle of garlic. Make sure to thoroughly mix all components before filling your container.

Fertilizer Focus

Garlic is a bulb plant and requires phosphorous for proper bulb development. Use a granular organic fertilizer formulated specifically for bulbs to ensure your garlic receives the right nutrients.

Soil Tip

Avoid using garden soil in containers as it can become compacted, drain poorly, and potentially introduce pests or diseases. Always use a sterile potting mix as the base for container plantings.

Step-by-Step Planting Process

Timing Your Planting

Plant your garlic around the time of your first frost (typically fall). In cold climates, this is usually October or early November. In milder regions, you can plant in late November or early December.

Preparing the Garlic Cloves

Start with high-quality seed garlic from a reputable source (avoid using grocery store garlic). Gently break apart the head into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact. Select the largest cloves for planting; save smaller ones for cooking.

Planting the Cloves

Place each clove in the prepared soil with the pointed end facing up. The base of the clove should sit about 2-3 inches beneath the soil surface. Space cloves 3-4 inches apart. When planting in containers, you can simply push the cloves into the soil with your finger – no need for a trowel.

Adding Mulch

After planting, water the pot thoroughly. Then add a 1-2 inch layer of mulch (straw or finely shredded leaves work well) on top of the soil. This mulch layer helps insulate the cloves through winter and retains moisture.

Year-Round Care Instructions

Fall & Winter Care

Placement

Position your pot in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Winter Protection

In cold climates, move the pot to a sheltered spot next to your house. Insulate the pot by piling fall leaves or straw around its sides (not on top). Alternatively, wrap the pot in bubble wrap for added insulation.
Watering

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water occasionally during winter thaws when the soil isn’t frozen.

Spring & Summer Care

Relocation

When spring arrives, move your pot back into full sun if you relocated it for winter.
Fertilizing

Apply another 2 tablespoons of granular organic bulb fertilizer on the soil surface in early spring.
Watering

Continue regular watering, never allowing the soil to dry out completely.
Scape Removal

For hardneck varieties, remove the curly flower stalk (scape) when it appears in early summer to redirect energy to the bulb.

Important Care Note

It is absolutely essential that you keep the pot watered throughout the garlic’s entire life cycle. Yes, that means occasional watering for 8-9 months, including during winter thaws when the soil isn’t frozen. Lack of consistent moisture is the most common reason for unsuccessful container garlic.

Harvesting and Storage

When to Harvest

Garlic is typically ready to harvest in early to mid-summer when:

The lower leaves start turning yellow or brown
About half (40-50%) of the foliage has yellowed
There are still 5-6 green leaves remaining

Note: Don’t wait until all leaves have died back, as this can result in bulbs with split wrappers that won’t store well.

Harvesting Process

Stop watering about 1-2 weeks before harvest to allow bulbs to begin drying
For container garlic, simply dump out the entire pot
Gently brush off excess soil, keeping the roots and stems attached
Handle bulbs carefully to avoid bruising

Curing Process

Properly curing garlic is essential for long-term storage:

Hang bundles of 8-10 plants or lay out in a single layer
Choose a location that is dry, well-ventilated, and out of direct sunlight
Cure for 2-4 weeks until the outer wrappers are papery and stems are completely dry
After curing, trim roots and cut stems to about 1-2 inches above the bulb (or leave stems on softneck varieties for braiding)

Storage

For optimal storage:

Store in a cool (50-60°F), dry place with good air circulation
Never store in the refrigerator or in plastic bags (causes sprouting and mold)
Hardneck varieties typically store for 4-6 months
Softneck varieties can store for up to 9-12 months

Save Your Best for Planting!

Remember to save your largest, healthiest bulbs for replanting in the fall. This way, you’ll have a continuous, self-sustaining supply of garlic year after year, adapting to your specific growing conditions with each generation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pests & Diseases

Garlic Rust

Symptoms: Orange or rusty spots on leaves

Solution: Improve air circulation, remove affected leaves, and ensure proper spacing between plants.

White Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, rotting bulbs with white fungal growth

Solution: No cure – remove and dispose of affected plants, do not reuse the soil for alliums.

Onion Maggots

Symptoms: Stunted growth, discolored foliage

Solution: Cover containers with floating row covers during fly season, practice crop rotation.

Growing Issues

Small Bulbs

Cause: Insufficient nutrients, crowding, or late planting

Solution: Use rich soil mix, space properly, plant at the right time, and fertilize in spring.

Sprouting Too Early

Cause: Warm fall temperatures or inconsistent watering

Solution: Plant later in the season and maintain even soil moisture.

Cloves Heaving Up

Cause: Freeze-thaw cycles, insufficient planting depth

Solution: Plant deeper (2-3 inches) and apply a thicker layer of mulch.

Rotting Cloves

Cause: Poor drainage or overwatering

Solution: Use well-draining soil mix and containers with adequate drainage holes.

Conclusion

Growing garlic in pots is a rewarding endeavor that requires some patience but minimal ongoing care. The home-grown flavor is incomparable to store-bought varieties, and the satisfaction of growing your own food is priceless.

With the right container, soil, and basic care, you can successfully grow garlic in pots whether you have a large garden, a small balcony, or just a sunny windowsill. The key is to remember the long growing season and provide consistent care throughout.

Start with quality seed garlic, plant it at the right time, and give it the attention it needs. In return, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, homegrown garlic that can enhance countless dishes throughout the year.

Happy Gardening…