Growing garlic indoors is a perfect solution for those who don’t have the luxury of a large outdoor garden. Whether you live in an apartment, an urban area, or simply want to try something new, learning how to grow garlic indoors offers a satisfying gardening experience. The best part? You can harvest both flavorful garlic greens and, with some patience, full garlic bulbs.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the step-by-step process of growing garlic indoors. From choosing the right containers to maintaining light and water levels, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to grow fresh, homegrown garlic on your windowsill or countertop.
Why Grow Garlic Indoors?
Garlic is one of those versatile crops that can be grown indoors, especially if you are limited on outdoor space. While it is traditionally grown outdoors, indoor garlic cultivation is growing in popularity among urban gardeners. The main reason? It’s convenient, requires minimal space, and can provide a continual harvest of greens, which you can use in a variety of dishes.
Now, you may be wondering, “Can I actually grow garlic bulbs indoors?” The short answer is yes, but growing full bulbs indoors can be a bit trickier and requires more time and attention. However, even if you’re not ready to commit to the full bulb-growing process, garlic greens are much easier and quicker to grow indoors.
The Basics of Indoor Garlic Growth
Garlic thrives outdoors, but with a bit of skill and the right setup, it can also flourish indoors. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the process of growing garlic indoors is manageable. The key to success lies in understanding the specific needs of garlic when cultivated in a controlled environment.
Choosing the Right Containers and Location
What Type of Containers Should You Use?
To grow garlic indoors, you’ll need a container that allows for proper drainage and root development. A terra-cotta pot is a great option because it’s breathable, which helps keep the soil from getting too wet. Your pot should be at least 6 inches deep, with a drainage hole at the bottom. If you’re growing multiple cloves in one pot, ensure that each clove has about 6 inches of space for proper growth.
Best Spot to Place Your Garlic Indoors
Garlic requires a lot of sunlight to thrive, especially if you’re aiming to grow full garlic bulbs. You’ll want to choose a location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect light per day. A sunny south- or west-facing window works best. If your space doesn’t receive enough natural light, don’t worry—you can supplement it with a grow light. Just remember, garlic grown under artificial lights may not be as robust as those grown in natural sunlight.
When to Plant Garlic Indoors
Unlike outdoor garlic, which is typically planted in the fall, garlic grown indoors can be planted at any time of the year. However, it’s essential to mimic the cold temperatures that garlic cloves naturally experience during winter outdoors. This chilling period is crucial for bulb formation.
How to Simulate Cold Temperatures for Garlic Indoors
To replicate the chilling process that garlic needs, place your garlic cloves in the refrigerator for several weeks before planting them. Alternatively, you can pot them up and leave them outdoors during the cooler months. This cold treatment helps trigger the growth process and encourages the development of both greens and bulbs.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Garlic Indoors
1. Chill the Garlic
Before planting, your garlic cloves need to experience a cold period. If you live in a mild climate or are planting indoors, refrigerate the cloves for 4-6 weeks. This simulates the cold dormancy garlic requires to form bulbs.
2. Separate the Cloves
After the chilling period, gently separate the individual cloves from the garlic bulb. Keep the papery skin intact, as it protects the clove during the planting process. Discard any damaged or soft cloves, as they are unlikely to grow.
3. Prepare the Soil
Fill your pot with well-draining potting mix, leaving about 2 inches of space from the rim. Garlic thrives in well-drained soil, so avoid using garden soil that can become compacted. You can even add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
4. Plant the Cloves
Now comes the fun part—planting! Place the garlic cloves, pointed end up, about halfway into the soil. If you’re growing multiple cloves in a pot, space them at least 6 inches apart. If you only want to harvest greens, you can plant them closer together without touching.
5. Cover with Soil and Water
Once the cloves are in place, cover them with about 1/2 inch of potting mix and gently press the soil down. Water thoroughly, but make sure not to soak the soil, as garlic doesn’t like to sit in wet conditions.
Caring for Indoor Garlic
Growing garlic indoors requires the right balance of light, water, temperature, and fertilizer. Let’s explore how to provide optimal care for your indoor garlic plants.
Light Requirements
Garlic plants need plenty of bright light to thrive. Make sure they get at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, or use a grow light to supplement. Without enough light, garlic may not develop into bulbs and could grow weak.
Watering and Soil Care
Garlic prefers moist soil, but it should never be waterlogged. Check the top inch of soil with your finger, and if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid letting the cloves sit in soggy soil, which can lead to rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The good news is that garlic tolerates average home temperatures and doesn’t require special humidity conditions. It thrives in typical indoor temperatures, around 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Fertilizing Your Garlic
If you’re growing garlic for its greens, fertilizer isn’t necessary. However, if you’re aiming to grow garlic bulbs, feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer twice a month. Follow the package instructions and dilute to half strength.
Common Pests and Problems
One of the advantages of growing garlic indoors is its natural pest resistance. Garlic rarely attracts the typical garden pests like spider mites or aphids. Using high-quality, sterile potting soil will also help minimize the risk of pests or diseases.
How to Harvest Garlic Indoors
Harvesting Garlic Greens
The quickest reward for growing garlic indoors comes from its greens, which are ready to harvest just 7-10 days after planting. When the shoots are about 6 inches tall, simply snip them off with clean scissors. Be sure to leave about 1 inch of green to allow the plant to regrow. You can get multiple harvests from each clove before they are exhausted.
Harvesting Garlic Bulbs
Harvesting bulbs requires a bit more patience. Once the leaves start to turn brown and droop, stop watering the plant and let the soil dry out. When the leaves are fully dried, gently dig up the bulbs. After harvesting, store your bulbs in a cool, dry place, or use them immediately in your favorite recipes!
Types of Garlic to Grow Indoors
Softneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. sativum)
This is the most common type of garlic grown indoors, particularly for those looking to grow bulbs. Softneck varieties are easier to grow in warmer conditions and don’t require a long cold period. Varieties like ‘Chilean Silverskin’ and ‘California Early’ are popular choices.
Hardneck Garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon)
Hardneck garlic produces scapes (flower stalks) and is better suited for colder climates. It’s harder to grow indoors, as it needs a long cold period to form bulbs. However, hardneck garlic can still be grown indoors if you’re mainly after the greens.
Growing garlic indoors is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process. Whether you’re harvesting the vibrant, flavorful greens or waiting patiently for full garlic bulbs, the experience is well worth the effort. By providing the right conditions—adequate light, well-draining soil, and regular watering—you’ll have fresh garlic growing on your windowsill in no time.
So why not give it a try? After all, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting your own garlic, knowing that it was grown right in the comfort of your home.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to grow a full bulb of garlic?
It typically takes 6-9 months to grow a full bulb of garlic indoors, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Patience is key, as garlic bulbs take time to develop after the greens have sprouted.
2. How to propagate garlic cloves?
To propagate garlic cloves, start by separating the cloves from the bulb while keeping their papery skins intact. Plant the cloves pointy side up in well-draining soil, about 2 inches deep. Space them about 6 inches apart and provide plenty of light and moisture. The cloves will eventually grow into full bulbs.
3. What to do with garlic that is sprouting?
If your garlic has started to sprout, you can still plant it! Separate the sprouted cloves and plant them in soil. Alternatively, you can also trim the greens and use them like chives in cooking. Sprouted garlic still holds nutritional value and can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.
