Planting Garlic in Australia: The Complete Guide

Why Grow Your Own Garlic?

Almost all garlic sold in Australian supermarkets is imported from China and has often been treated to prevent sprouting. It bears no comparison to freshly harvested, properly cured homegrown garlic — which is far more pungent, aromatic, and flavourful. Growing garlic is simple, the plants require minimal attention, and a single clove planted in autumn becomes a full bulb by summer.

Timing

Garlic needs a cold period (vernalisation) to develop good bulbs, which is why it is planted in autumn and winter rather than spring. In cooler climates (Melbourne, Canberra, Tasmania, Southern Victoria and NSW): plant April through June for the best results. In temperate climates (Sydney, Adelaide, Perth): plant May through July. In subtropical Queensland: plant June through July only — garlic needs the coldest months of the year. In tropical regions garlic is very difficult to grow without refrigeration pre-treatment of cloves.

Choosing Your Variety

Softneck varieties (no stiff central stem) are the most adaptable across different Australian climates and store the longest. Australian Purple, Printanor, and Italian Pink are reliable softneck varieties with excellent flavour. Hardneck varieties produce a central flowering stem (the scape — edible and delicious) and are generally considered more complex in flavour, but require colder winters and store for a shorter period. Monaro Purple and Music are outstanding hardneck varieties for cool climates.

Planting

Separate bulbs into individual cloves immediately before planting — do not do this in advance as exposed cloves dry out. Choose only the largest, most perfect cloves for planting (save the smaller ones for cooking) — clove size is directly related to the size of the bulb at harvest. Plant cloves pointed end up, 3–5cm deep, 15–20cm apart in rows 30cm apart. Firm soil over them and water in. A layer of straw mulch helps maintain moisture and suppress weeds.

Care and Harvesting

Garlic needs very little care. Water regularly through winter and spring, reducing in early summer as bulbs approach maturity. Harvest scapes (the curling central stem of hardneck varieties) when they have completed one full curl — this redirects energy from flowering into bulb development. Harvest bulbs when the lower 3–4 leaves have died back but the upper 4–5 are still green — usually November to January depending on variety and location. Leave too long and bulbs will separate and not store well.

Curing and Storing

Cure harvested garlic in a warm, airy, shaded location for 3–6 weeks until the outer skins are completely dry and papery and the stems are fully dry. Do not cure in direct sun — this can bleach and damage the bulbs. Once fully cured, store in a mesh bag or plaited (softneck varieties only) in a cool, dry location with good air circulation. Well-cured softneck garlic stores for 6–10 months.