Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops you can grow, and one of the easiest. Planted in fall, it quietly develops roots over winter and produces plump, flavourful bulbs the following summer. Whether you're growing hardneck types like Russian Red and Spanish Roja or a softneck variety, the planting steps are much the same. This guide covers when, where, and how to plant garlic in a Canadian garden, plus the care it needs through to harvest.
When to Plant Garlic
Garlic is best planted in autumn, typically from late September through November, before the ground freezes. Fall planting lets the cloves develop strong roots before winter, which produces larger bulbs the following summer. In milder coastal regions (zones 7–8), you can plant later in the season as long as the soil stays workable; in colder Prairie and northern zones (3–4), plant in late September to early October so roots establish before a hard freeze.
Where to Plant
Choose a sunny location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Garlic grows best in loose, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid spots where water collects over winter, as soggy conditions cause rot. Raised beds are an excellent option where drainage is a concern.
How to Plant Garlic Cloves
Separate the bulb into individual cloves just before planting, leaving the papery skins intact. Choose the largest cloves, since they produce the largest bulbs. Plant each clove pointed end up, about 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) deep and 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) apart, with rows roughly 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Water thoroughly after planting, then apply a layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds over winter.
Ongoing Care
Keep garlic beds weed-free through the season, as garlic competes poorly with weeds. Water regularly during active growth in spring and early summer, then reduce watering as the bulbs mature. On hardneck varieties, remove the flower stalks (scapes) once they curl, so the plant puts its energy into the bulb rather than the flower — and enjoy the scapes in the kitchen. Harvest when the lower leaves yellow and dry while several upper leaves stay green. After harvest, cure the bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated spot before storing, and rotate your planting location each year to reduce soil-borne disease and pests.
Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic
Most garlic grown in Canada is hardneck — varieties like Russian Red, Spanish Roja, Purple Glazer, and Music. Hardneck types are cold-hardy, produce edible scapes, and offer bold, complex flavour, which makes them ideal for Canadian winters. Softneck garlic stores longer and is the type used for braiding, but it's less cold-tolerant. For most Canadian gardens, a hardneck variety is the reliable choice.
Quick Facts
- When to plant: Fall (late September–November), before the ground freezes
- Light: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained
- Depth: 5–8 cm (2–3 inches), pointed end up
- Spacing: 10–15 cm apart, rows 30 cm apart
- Harvest: Mid-summer, when lower leaves yellow
- Best types for Canada: Hardneck (Russian Red, Spanish Roja, Music, Purple Glazer)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant garlic in Canada?
Plant in fall, from late September through November, before the ground freezes. Cloves need this time to root before winter.
How deep do you plant garlic cloves?
Plant cloves 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) deep with the pointed end facing up.
Can I plant store-bought garlic?
It's better to plant seed garlic from a supplier. Grocery-store garlic is often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry disease.
What is the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic?
Hardneck garlic is more cold-hardy, produces edible scapes, and suits Canadian winters. Softneck stores longer and is used for braiding but is less winter-hardy.
Should I remove garlic scapes?
Yes, on hardneck varieties. Removing the scapes directs the plant's energy into bulb growth, and the scapes are delicious in cooking.
Shop Garlic from Coast Farms
Browse our fall garlic collection, including hardneck favourites like Russian Red, Spanish Roja, Purple Glazer, and Music.
