What To Know
- After harvesting, cure garlic by hanging it in a warm, dry place for several weeks to allow the bulbs to dry and harden.
- Softneck garlic can be stored for several months, while hardneck garlic has a shorter shelf life of a few weeks.
- Hang garlic in a warm, dry place for several weeks to allow the bulbs to dry and harden.
California’s Mediterranean climate offers ideal conditions for growing garlic, a versatile and flavorful bulb that adds a pungent zest to countless dishes. This guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to plant garlic in California, ensuring a bountiful harvest for your culinary creations.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety
Not all garlic varieties are created equal. For planting in California, consider the following popular and well-suited options:
- Softneck Garlic: Produces large, easy-to-peel bulbs with a mild flavor. Suitable for long-term storage.
- Hardneck Garlic: Known for its intense flavor and ability to produce scapes (flower stalks). Typically has a shorter shelf life.
- Elephant Garlic: A giant garlic variety with large, mild-flavored cloves. Not a true garlic but belongs to the leek family.
Soil Preparation
Garlic thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Prepare the soil by:
- Tilling to a depth of 12-18 inches to loosen the soil and improve drainage.
- Adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, to enrich the soil and improve fertility.
- Testing the soil pH and adjusting it with lime or sulfur if necessary.
Planting Garlic
Timing: Plant garlic in the fall, between October and December, for a spring harvest.
Spacing: Plant cloves 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
Depth: Plant cloves pointy side up, about 1-2 inches deep.
Mulching: After planting, mulch around the garlic with straw, leaves, or other organic material to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Watering
Garlic requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
Fertilize garlic once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
Pest and Disease Control
Garlic is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to certain issues:
- Onion Thrips: Small, slender insects that feed on garlic leaves, causing silver streaks and stunted growth. Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Garlic Rust: A fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on garlic leaves. Prevent by rotating planting sites and using disease-free cloves.
- Botrytis Rot: A fungal disease that causes cloves to rot and become moldy. Control by ensuring good drainage and avoiding overhead watering.
Harvesting
Softneck Garlic: Harvest when the tops have turned brown and the bulbs have reached full size, typically in June or July.
Hardneck Garlic: Harvest when the scapes have curled and the bulbs have started to form, typically in May or June.
Curing: After harvesting, cure garlic by hanging it in a warm, dry place for several weeks to allow the bulbs to dry and harden.
Storing
Store cured garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Softneck garlic can be stored for several months, while hardneck garlic has a shorter shelf life of a few weeks.
Final Note: Garlic Gardening Success in California
With careful planning and execution, you can successfully grow garlic in California and enjoy the rewards of this flavorful and versatile ingredient. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest of homegrown garlic.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I grow garlic from store-bought cloves?
A: Yes, but it’s best to use certified disease-free cloves from a nursery or seed supplier.
Q: How often should I water my garlic plants?
A: Water deeply and infrequently, about once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Q: Should I fertilize my garlic plants?
A: Yes, fertilize once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How can I prevent garlic rust?
A: Rotate planting sites and use disease-free cloves.
Q: How do I cure garlic after harvesting?
A: Hang garlic in a warm, dry place for several weeks to allow the bulbs to dry and harden.
