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Garlic is one of the easiest garden plants to grow, which, along with its health benefits and pungent flavor, is just another reason to love it. This low-maintenance relative of the onion is typically planted in fall about a month before the first frost in order to allow the chill to induce dormancy and give it time to produce bulbs for harvest the following summer. But those who relish the taste of fresh garlic (which can be eaten immediately after harvest) may want to learn how to grow garlic indoors so they have a ready supply at hand, no matter the season.
Before You Begin
Spatially, garlic is a good fit for growing indoors because it’s comfortable in compact spaces. However, there are other things to consider:
- Garlic requires 6 to 8 hours of direct light. Where natural light is insufficient, grow lights can be substituted, but it doesn’t grow as well under manmade light.
- Garlic (especially hardneck varieties) needs cold temperatures for a dormancy period before planting. When growing indoors, this can be replicated by placing bulbs in the refrigerator.
- All parts of garlic are toxic to dogs and cats, so ensure their safety when planting indoors.
How to Grow Garlic Indoors in 6 Easy Steps
Growing garlic indoors can be easier than outdoors because you’re in control of the environment, eliminating pest infestations and providing consistency in growing conditions. But this is only a benefit if you provide all the elements this root vegetable needs to thrive.
Step 1: Select the right varieties of garlic for indoor cultivation.
There are approximately 300 varieties of garlic, and these are divided into hardneck and softneck types. While all types can be grown indoors, softneck types tend to do better inside because hardneck types prefer colder climates.
Winter garlic is easy to grow indoors, as it doesn’t have a period of dormancy and is less demanding, says Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum. “Spring garlic is better suited for growing garlic greens, as it will yield smaller bulbs but bigger scapes.”
Some varieties that do well indoors include:
- Inchelium Red: an award winner that generally produces 15 cloves per 3-inch bulb
- Early Purple Italian: an easy grower and attractive plant
- Cal Early: a non-GMO heirloom variety with a mild flavor
Step 2: Choose the right-sized container.
Garlic can grow in a compact container of 6 to 8 inches diameter, depending on the number of cloves planted, but because it’s essentially a root crop, the pot should be deep enough—at least 8 inches—to allow bulbs to develop.
Clay pots are a good choice, but whatever type of material the container is made from, it should have good drainage. A five-gallon bucket can suffice, but will need holes drilled in the bottom to allow water to drain.
Step 3: Use the right soil.
Choose a lightweight, sterile commercial potting mix that includes vermiculite or perlite to aid with water retention and drainage. While garlic likes loamy, sandy soils, Borisevich says, “Any store-bought all-purpose soil mix will work fine for garlic.” Because garlic appreciates soil with good fertility, opt for a mix with peat or compost. Alternatively, you can add organic fertilizer to boost the soil’s nutrients.
You can also make soil for growing garlic yourself by mixing two parts leaf mold compost, two parts other compost, and three parts sand.
Step 4: Prepare the garlic bulbs for planting.
Separate the bulb(s) you intend to plant into cloves, leaving as much of the papery skin on as possible. Place them in a plastic bag with a little soil. Put the bag in the freezer and leave it there for 4 to 6 weeks. This process, called vernalization, replicates the conditions the cloves would face outdoors. Alternatively, if the outside temperatures are cool, you can place them outdoors. This cold period is essential for growing garlic bulbs indoors because it encourages garlic cloves to sprout.
Step 5: Plant the cloves in soil.
Garlic cloves should be planted about 2 inches deep, with the pointy end up, and spaced about 6 inches apart. Gently tamp down the soil around the planted cloves. Irrigate until excess water drains off. Garlic likes soil that is consistently moist, but not soggy. During its germination period, it may need watering more heavily.
Place the container in a cool, sunny spot where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect light.
Step 6: Maintain conditions for healthy growth.
To get the most out of your garlic harvest, maintain the conditions that will allow the plants to thrive.
- Keep garlic where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun, or use grow lights indoors.
- The ideal air temperature range for growing garlic is 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with the cooler end of that range being the most ideal.
- Soil should be consistently moist, but not soggy. Avoid overwatering.
- Use a fan for air circulation to prevent mold and mildew.
- Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks once sprouts are 6 inches tall. Borisevich suggests using “complex mineral fertilizers that contain all basic nutrients, as well as microelements that increase the plants’ resistance to pests and diseases.”
- Sturdy bamboo stakes in the pots will hold the garlic upright.
Final Thoughts
These easy steps will enable you to grow garlic indoors year-round, providing fresh flavor for your favorite dishes. Garlic doesn’t require a lot of attention, but it does need planning to include a period of cold dormancy. After that, all it takes is nutrient-rich, well-draining soil, at least 6 hours of direct light, consistent moisture, and regular fertilizing.
Fortunately, garlic doesn’t produce strong odors while growing, but it is toxic to dogs and cats, so take precautions.
