ABOUT GARLIC

Garlic Growing Season in USA: Guide to Successful Cultivation

Published

6 months ago

December 10, 2024

Garlic is a beloved and essential crop in kitchens worldwide. Known for its pungent aroma and rich flavor, garlic is not only a culinary staple but also offers various health benefits. If you’re considering growing garlic in the USA, understanding the ideal growing season and the best practices for cultivation can help ensure a bountiful harvest. In this article, we’ll explore the garlic growing season in the USA, providing you with everything you need to know to grow healthy, vibrant garlic at home or commercially.

What Is the Garlic Growing Season in the USA?

The garlic growing season in the USA is primarily determined by the climate and geography of the region. Garlic, being a hardy bulb, typically grows best in cooler climates. The growing season can vary based on where you live, but generally, the garlic planting season begins in the fall, with harvesting occurring in mid to late summer of the following year.

Planting Time

Garlic is traditionally planted in the fall, between October and December. This timing allows the garlic cloves to establish roots before the cold winter sets in, while the winter chill is essential for garlic to undergo vernalization, a process that helps the bulb develop properly. The best time to plant garlic is when the soil has cooled down but hasn’t frozen yet, typically around 4 to 6 weeks before the first hard frost.

Harvesting Time

The garlic growing season concludes with the harvest, which typically occurs in mid to late summer, around June to August, depending on the region. The timing of harvest is crucial because leaving garlic in the ground too long can lead to splitting, reducing the quality of the bulbs. The garlic plants will show signs of readiness for harvest when the leaves begin to yellow and die back, with the lower leaves turning brown and the upper leaves still green.

Ideal Climate for Growing Garlic in the USA

Garlic grows best in regions with a temperate climate, although it can adapt to a range of conditions. Some of the most garlic-friendly regions in the USA include:

Northeast USA (New York, Vermont, and Maine): Known for its cold winters, the Northeast provides an ideal environment for garlic cultivation. The cold winter period allows garlic to undergo vernalization, producing stronger, larger bulbs.
Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon): This region is renowned for its cool, moist climate, which is perfect for growing high-quality garlic. The soil tends to be fertile, making it an excellent area for garlic farming.
Midwest (Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois): The Midwest experiences cold winters, making it another ideal location for garlic. Garlic growers in this area typically plant in the fall and harvest in late summer.
California: Known for its warm climate, California is home to several garlic farms, particularly in regions like Gilroy, which is famous for its garlic production. While it may not experience freezing temperatures, garlic is still successfully grown here due to its ideal growing conditions.
Southern USA (Texas, Florida, and Louisiana): Garlic can be grown in the South, but it requires careful management to ensure it gets the necessary cold exposure. In these regions, the garlic growing season may start in winter, with harvest taking place in late spring.

Garlic Growing Stages: From Planting to Harvest

Understanding the different stages of garlic growth can help you manage your crop effectively throughout the growing season. Here’s an overview of each phase:

1. Planting Garlic Cloves (October – December)

Preparation: Start by selecting high-quality garlic bulbs from a reputable source. Separate the cloves without damaging them, as each clove will grow into a new bulb.
Soil Preparation: Garlic prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Work compost into the soil before planting, and ensure the soil is loose to allow the garlic roots to grow freely.
Planting Depth: Plant garlic cloves about 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up. Space the cloves 6 inches apart in rows that are about 12 inches apart.

2. Winter Dormancy (December – February)

Cold Exposure: Garlic needs a chilling period to develop bulbs. During the cold winter months, the garlic will remain dormant, but the roots will slowly begin to establish themselves.
Mulching: Mulching with straw, leaves, or hay is essential for protecting garlic from extreme cold and frost. A 4 to 6-inch layer of mulch will insulate the cloves and help retain moisture in the soil.

3. Spring Growth (March – May)

Green Growth: As temperatures warm in the spring, garlic begins to sprout. It sends up green shoots, which will eventually form leaves. This is when garlic begins to actively grow.
Watering: Consistent watering is essential in the spring. Garlic needs moisture to establish strong leaves, but the soil should not remain soggy. Aim to keep the soil slightly moist.

4. Bulb Development (June – July)

Bulbing Stage: As summer approaches, garlic will start to form bulbs beneath the soil. During this period, the plant needs less water. Garlic’s root system and bulbs develop rapidly, so you should stop watering when the plants are about two weeks from harvest to allow the bulbs to mature properly.

5. Harvesting Garlic (July – August)

Timing the Harvest: The optimal time to harvest garlic is when the lower leaves begin to turn brown and die back, while the upper leaves are still green. Dig up the bulbs carefully with a fork or shovel to avoid damaging the delicate cloves.
Curing: After harvesting, garlic bulbs should be cured to extend shelf life. Hang them in a well-ventilated, dry area for about 3-4 weeks until the skins are fully dry. Once cured, the garlic can be stored for several months.

Comparison of Garlic Varieties for Different Climates

There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck, each suited to different growing conditions. Here’s a comparison of the two, along with other garlic varieties commonly grown in the USA.

Garlic Variety	Best Climate	Bulb Size	Flavor Profile	Storage Life	Planting Time
Hardneck Garlic	Cold climates (Northeast, Midwest)	Larger, with fewer cloves per bulb	Strong, robust flavor	Shorter (up to 6 months)	Fall
Softneck Garlic	Warmer climates (Pacific Northwest, California)	Smaller, with more cloves per bulb	Milder flavor	Longer (up to 12 months)	Fall
Elephant Garlic	Mild climate, well-drained soil	Very large, often the size of a bulbous onion	Mild, less pungent	Shorter (up to 6 months)	Fall
Creole Garlic	Warm, dry climates (Southwest)	Medium to large bulbs with vibrant color	Spicy, complex	Shorter (up to 6 months)	Fall

Common Garlic Growing Problems and How to Solve Them

While garlic is a hardy crop, it can still face a few challenges during the growing season. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Garlic Rust (Puccinia allii): This fungal disease causes yellow spots on leaves. To prevent garlic rust, avoid overhead watering, plant resistant varieties, and remove infected plants.
Soft Rot (Pectobacterium carotovorum): This bacterial disease can cause garlic bulbs to rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid harvesting garlic when it’s too wet. Always allow garlic to cure properly.
Weeds: Garlic is slow-growing in the early stages, making it susceptible to weeds. Use mulch to suppress weed growth and keep the garlic beds weed-free.
Pests: Aphids and thrips can occasionally affect garlic. Use organic insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control pest populations.

Tips for Successful Garlic Cultivation

Choose the Right Variety: Select garlic varieties that are suited to your local climate. Hardneck garlic varieties are ideal for colder climates, while softneck varieties perform better in milder regions.
Improve Soil Quality: Garlic thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporating compost and organic matter will improve soil texture and nutrient levels.
Water Properly: Garlic needs consistent moisture, especially during the spring and early summer. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rot.
Rotate Crops: Garlic should be rotated with other crops, particularly legumes, to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvest at the Right Time: Harvesting garlic at the right time is crucial. Early harvesting results in small bulbs, while late harvesting can cause the bulbs to split.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Garlic Growing Season in USA

Growing garlic can be a rewarding experience, especially when you know the best times to plant, care for, and harvest your crop. By understanding the garlic growing season in the USA, selecting the right varieties for your climate, and following best practices for care and maintenance, you can ensure a successful harvest year after year.

With proper planning and patience, garlic can thrive in various regions across the United States, providing you with an abundant and flavorful crop. Whether you’re a home gardener or a commercial garlic grower, these tips and insights will help you cultivate garlic like a pro. Happy planting!

ABOUT GARLIC

The Rise and Fall of G1 Garlic: Lessons for Farmers and Traders

Published

1 week ago

May 30, 2025

Hazel William

Have you ever wondered why some agricultural commodities skyrocket in value—only to crash just as quickly? The story of The Rise and Fall of G1 Garlic is a perfect example. Once hailed as the “white gold” of farming, G1 garlic saw explosive demand, record-high prices, and then a dramatic downfall that left many growers and traders in financial turmoil.

In this article, we’ll explore:
✔ What made G1 garlic so profitable—and why it collapsed
✔ Key mistakes that led to its downfall
✔ Practical strategies to avoid similar pitfalls in agribusiness
✔ Expert-backed insights on sustainable farming and trading

What Was G1 Garlic?

G1 garlic (Grade 1 garlic) was a premium variety known for its large cloves, strong flavor, and long shelf life. It gained massive popularity in global markets, particularly in China, India, and Africa, where demand surged due to its perceived superior quality.

Why Did G1 Garlic Boom?

Several factors contributed to its rapid rise:

✅ High Export Demand – Countries like China imported G1 garlic in bulk, driving prices up.
✅ Perceived Medicinal Value – Many believed it had stronger health benefits than regular garlic.
✅ Speculative Trading – Traders stockpiled G1 garlic, creating artificial scarcity.
✅ Government Subsidies (in some regions) – Incentives encouraged farmers to shift to G1 cultivation.

At its peak, G1 garlic sold for 3–5 times the price of regular garlic, making it a lucrative cash crop.

The Downfall: What Went Wrong?

Despite its early success, G1 garlic’s decline was swift and brutal. Here’s why:

1. Overproduction & Market Saturation

Farmers rushed to plant G1 garlic, leading to a supply glut.
Prices crashed when supply outstripped demand.

2. Quality Control Issues

Some traders mixed lower-grade garlic with G1, damaging its reputation.
Buyers lost trust, opting for cheaper alternatives.

3. Export Restrictions & Trade Wars

China, the biggest importer, imposed strict quality checks, rejecting substandard shipments.
Some countries banned G1 garlic imports due to pesticide residue concerns.

4. Price Manipulation by Middlemen

Traders hoarded stock, creating false scarcity, then dumped it, causing price crashes.
Small farmers, with no market leverage, suffered the most.

5. Shift to Alternative Varieties

New, disease-resistant garlic strains entered the market, reducing G1’s dominance.

Key Lessons for Farmers & Agri-Traders

The G1 garlic boom-and-bust cycle offers critical insights for anyone in agribusiness:

1. Avoid Overdependence on a Single Crop

Diversify crops to spread risk.
Example: Farmers who grew both G1 garlic and onions suffered less when garlic prices fell.

2. Focus on Quality & Certification

Maintain strict quality control to preserve market trust.
Obtain organic or export certifications to access premium markets.

3. Understand Market Trends

Monitor global demand shifts and trade policies.
Use tools like FAO reports, USDA data, and local agriculture extensions for insights.

4. Build Direct Buyer Relationships

Bypass middlemen by selling directly to exporters or via farmers’ cooperatives.
Example: Some Kenyan garlic farmers now use blockchain-based traceability to attract international buyers.

5. Adopt Smart Storage & Pricing Strategies

Use cold storage to prevent spoilage and sell during price spikes.
Hedge prices through futures contracts (if available).

The Future of Garlic Farming: What’s Next?

While G1 garlic’s glory days may be over, garlic remains a high-demand crop. Here’s what experts suggest:

🔹 Switch to Resilient Varieties – New hybrids offer better yield and disease resistance.
🔹 Explore Value-Added Products – Garlic powder, oil, and supplements have steady demand.
🔹 Leverage E-Commerce – Platforms like Alibaba, Amazon Fresh, and local agri-marketplaces help farmers reach global buyers.

Final Thoughts: Will Garlic Make a Comeback?

The rise and fall of G1 garlic teaches us that short-term booms are risky without sustainable strategies. Farmers and traders must:
✔ Stay informed about market trends.
✔ Prioritize quality over quick profits.
✔ Diversify income sources to withstand price shocks.

ABOUT GARLIC

Elephant Garlic

Published

4 months ago

February 11, 2025

Hazel William

At right, a clove of Elephant next to a nice-sized clove of regular garlic:

This Big Daddy has the largest bulbs and cloves of them all. It is the king of the roasters. Some Elephant individual cloves are larger than an egg!

Elephant is the mildest of the garlics, and is actually closer to a leek than a garlic. Awesome for stews, roast vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Elephant grows well in most parts of the country.

Since the bulbs will probably be larger than typical garlic, plant farther apart with a minimum of 6″ between cloves. Mulching with straw or grass clippings and keeping the soil relatively moist, even during the winter, promotes larger bulbs.

Elephant Bulblets or Bulbils (also incorrectly called korms): This is a fun way to gain some elephant garlic for your garden! Bulbils (aka bulblets) are seed-like growths found at the bottom of many elephant bulbs. They can be left in the ground after harvesting elephant garlic, or can be moved and replanted.

Soaking the bulbils for a few days, and even cutting/scoring a small slit in the bulbil toward the bottom can improve germination rates. The bulblets’ shell is very tough, so a score helps moisture get inside to allow the seed to expand and sprout. The shoots may not emerge until spring or early summer, so don’t forget where you plant them!

Plant the elephant bulbils this year, and expect to harvest “rounds” (large, round bulbs that have not yet formed multiple cloves per bulb) next year…although we have had some multi-clove bulbs form the first year from bulbils. Re-plant the “rounds,” and harvest potentially VERY large bulbs of elephant the following year.

All garlic seed for sale is supplied by our small micro farm in Elgin Oregon – Greifs Gourmet Garlic!

ABOUT GARLIC

HOW TO STORE GARLIC

Published

4 months ago

February 11, 2025

Hazel William

HOW TO STORE GARLIC

Stored properly, fresh garlic will last for months. Commercially, garlic is stored between 30 and 32 degrees. In most households that is not possible. Here are some other ideas on how to store garlic.

Bundle garlic in bundles of 8 to 12 bulbs by tying the stalks and hanging it, bulb down. Store garlic in a cool, dry place, with plenty of circulation, away from sunlight.
You can purchase a ‘garlic keeper’ or simply store it in a wire basket under a flower pot.
For a homespun display, you can braid softneck garlic stems together, adorned with ribbon and dried flowers, and hang it in your kitchen.

HOW ABOUT DEHYDRATING?

It’s easy and you’ll be amazed at how flavorful fresh garlic powder is compared to commercially purchased garlic powder.

Break the cloves apart.
Cut the root end of the clove (you may also peel the clove, but it is not necessary).
Lay the cloves in a single layer in your dehydrator and dehydrate for 16+ hour depending on your dehydrator and the size of the cloves.
The skins fall right off!
You can store whole cloves or grind them into powder.
Store in an airtight container. OR…
To make garlic salt, mix 3 parts salt and 1 part garlic.

GARLIC IN WINE OR VINEGAR

Peeled garlic cloves can be stored in wine or vinegar and refrigerated.
Garlic can be stored in this manner for about 4 months.
Discard if you see any signs of mold or yeast growth.

REFRIGERATION

While it can be done, refrigeration is not the best way to store your garlic because it changes its texture, flavor, and speeds germination.

FREEZING

Garlic can be stored in the freezer but keep in mind that freezing garlic changes its texture and flavor.
You can freeze entire bulbs and use individual cloves when you need them, OR
Peel, chop, and store in small Ziploc bags. If you fill the bags lightly and freeze them flattened you can break off what you need later.

HOW NOT TO STORE FRESH GARLIC

Never store garlic in oil. Garlic in oil can be kept in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 weeks. After that, it can develop dangerous bacteria/toxins.
Garlic and oil at room temperature can cause dangerous toxins to form.

PEELING GARLIC

Here are some helpful hints to make peeling your cloves a little easier.
Blanch in boiling water for approximately 20 seconds, then drop into icy cold water. The skins will slip right through your fingers.

Place cloves in a glass of cool water for 30 minutes and the skins will come right off.
Using the old fashioned method, trim off the top and bottom of the clove and roll it between your fingers.
Trim off the bottom of the clove, place flat on your counter or cutting board, pop it with the flat end of a knife.
Purchase a ‘garlic tube’. It’s basically a flat piece of silicone. Wrap the cloves in the tube and roll it on the counter a few times.

All garlic seed for sale is supplied by our small micro-farm in Elgin Oregon – Greif’s Gourmet Garlic!