You can grow garlic in Florida if you buy the correct type of garlic at the right time.
Many gardeners assume garlic can’t be grown in Florida because of the state’s warm climate. The good news is that garlic can thrive here when planted at the right time and with the right varieties.
Florida doesn’t experience the cold winters that garlic needs to flourish, you can trick the garlic into thinking it’s cold in the fridge. You can also choose garlic that are adapted to mild winters and following a few simple growing techniques.
If you are gardening in north, central, or south Florida, this post will help guide you through everything you need to know to grow a successful garlic.
Part of what you are looking for in garlic is a heat tolerant variety that will withstand our heat. Typically, you are looking for bulbs rather than seeds for soft neck varieties that can withstand the Florida heat.
Most places that sell bulbs of garlic for planting that work for Florida start selling in the Summer before you will plant the garlic. Make sure to order early so that you don’t miss them. Garlics that work for our climate sell out fast!
Your best bet is to pre-order garlic in the summer month for delivery in the fall. As soon as you receive the garlic, put it in the fridge in paper bag to start vernalization. Set a reminder to take it out in 6 to 12 weeks.
Can You Grow Garlic in Florida?
Absolutely! Florida gardeners typically have the most success growing softneck garlic, which is better adapted to warmer climates than hardneck varieties.
Garlic grown in Florida may produce slightly smaller bulbs than those grown in colder climates.
Best Garlic Varieties for Florida
Choosing the right variety is the key to successfully growing garlic in Florida.
Softneck Garlic (Best Choice)
Softneck garlic requires less winter chilling and performs well in Florida’s climate.
Popular varieties include:
- Early Italian
- Inchelium Red
- California Early
- California Late
- Creole Red
- Lorz Italian
These varieties store well and often last 8–12 months after harvest.
Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic can be grown in North Florida with extra preparation, such as vernalizing the cloves in the refrigerator for 6–8 weeks before planting. However, softneck varieties are more reliable throughout the state.
When to Plant Garlic in Florida
Timing depends on where you live.
North Florida
- Plant in October through November.
Central Florida
- Plant from late October through early December.
South Florida
- Plant from November through December.
Garlic needs several months of cool weather to develop large bulbs before spring temperatures arrive.
Choosing a Planting Location
Garlic loves sunshine.
Choose a location that receives:
- At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight
- Good air circulation
- Well-drained soil
Avoid low areas where water collects after rain.
Preparing the Soil
Garlic prefers loose, fertile soil.
Before planting:
- Loosen up the soil to create room for bulbing garlic.
- Mix in 2–4 inches of compost or bone meal and blood meal
- Keep soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Raised beds work exceptionally well in Florida because they drain quickly after heavy rains.
How to Plant Garlic
Separate the bulb into individual cloves just before planting.
Do not peel the papery skin.
Plant each clove:
- Pointed end up
- Root end down
- 4 inches deep
- 4 inches apart
Cover with soil and mulch, then water in.
Mulching
Mulch is especially important in Florida.
Apply 2–4 inches of:
- Pine straw
- Shredded leaves
- Wood mulch (untreated and undyed)
Mulch helps:
- Keep soil cool
- Prevent weeds
- Hold moisture
- Reduce erosion from heavy rain
Watering Garlic
Garlic likes consistent moisture, but dislikes soggy soil.
Water about 1 inch per week, but more during dry seasons and less during droughts.
Stop watering about two weeks before harvest to help the bulbs cure properly.
Fertilizing
Garlic is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Garlic likes a mix of bone meal and blood meal.
Then fertilize every 2 weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer until bulbs begin to swell in spring.
Avoid excessive fertilizer late in the season, as it encourages leaf growth instead of bulb development.
Common Florida Garlic Problems
Excess Moisture
Florida’s humidity can encourage fungal diseases.
Prevent problems by:
- Providing good airflow
- Avoiding overhead watering
- Using well-drained soil
Weeds
Garlic doesn’t compete well with weeds. Keep beds weed-free throughout the growing season.
Nematodes
Root-knot nematodes can damage garlic.
Reduce problems by:
- Rotating crops each year
- Adding organic matter
- Growing garlic in raised beds
Companion Plants
Garlic makes an excellent companion plant.
It grows well alongside:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Beets
- Strawberries
- Roses
Garlic may help repel aphids, spider mites, and some other garden pests.
Avoid planting garlic near beans and peas, which may not grow as well nearby.
When Is Garlic Ready to Harvest?
Florida garlic is usually ready from May through June.
Signs it’s ready include:
- Lower leaves turning brown
- Upper leaves still green
- About one-third to one-half of the leaves have dried
Pull the soil back to see if the garlic is bulbing before pulling the whole stalk out.
Don’t wait until all the leaves are brown, or the bulbs may split underground.
Harvesting Garlic
You can use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the garlic or pull the garlic by the leaves.
Shake off excess dirt but do not wash the bulbs.
Leave the roots and leaves attached for curing.
Curing Garlic
Curing allows garlic to store much longer.
Hang the plants in bundles or spread them on racks in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated location.
Allow them to cure for 2–3 weeks.
Once cured:
- Trim the roots.
- Cut the stems (or braid softneck garlic).
- Store bulbs in a cool, dry place.
Avoid refrigerating garlic intended for long-term storage.
Saving Garlic for Next Season
Save your largest, healthiest bulbs for planting in the fall.
Selecting the biggest bulbs each year helps improve future harvests.
Avoid planting grocery store garlic, as it may have been treated to prevent sprouting or may not be well suited to Florida’s climate.
Florida Garlic Growing Calendar
July–September
Order garlic bulbs.
October–December
Vernalize bulbs in the fridge.
October–December
Plant cloves.
November–February
Maintain mulch, fertilize, and weed regularly.
March–April
Bulbs begin enlarging.
May-June
Harvest mature garlic.
June-July
Cure and store bulbs.
Growing garlic in Florida is easier than many gardeners realize.
By selecting heat-tolerant softneck varieties, vernalizing in the fridge, planting during the cooler months, and providing rich, well-drained soil, you can get a worthwhile garlic harvest even in South Florida.
Homegrown garlic tastes better than store-bought bulbs and also stores extremely well. With just a little planning, you to can have fresh garlic in your Florida garden!