This illustrated tip focuses on variety and climate selection as one factor in growing larger garlic bulbs. For the full process, use the nine-step large-bulb guide.
Fall is a common time to plant garlic in many regions. Bulb size depends on variety, climate fit, planting stock, soil, spacing, water, care, and harvest timing. Start by choosing a variety suited to your growing conditions.
Plan your planting: Shop seed garlic and shallots for the varieties or crops discussed in this article.
Hardneck garlic often forms large cloves and bulbs when the variety and cold-winter conditions fit, but type alone does not guarantee size.
Georgian Fire is one of our favorite hardneck garlics that is great for salsa and is known for having a strong spicy flavor with a creamy finish.
Another amazing and unique hardneck garlic suitable for cooler climate growing conditions is Spanish Roja - a spicy and sweet heirloom garlic that goes great with a variety of soups or stews.
Softnecks are more suited to mild winter climates.
The mild-flavored elephant garlic can be considered where local climate and growing conditions fit this leek relative. Not a true garlic, elephant garlic is actually a leek and has an amazing cooked or roasted flavor.
Another planting tip is to select large, sound cloves; they often have more stored reserves and may support bulb development, but they do not guarantee the biggest bulbs. Don’t toss out the smaller cloves–grow them to use as garlic scallions.
Next, don’t plant them too close together, use about 6 inches between cloves as a starting point, adjusting for variety, clove size, soil, and bed layout. Gophers can damage garlic in areas where they are active, so consider gopher baskets or gopher wire to protect from hungry pests.
Keep your garlic bed well weeded, garlic does not like to compete with other plants. Add a layer of mulch to your garlic bed and you’re done!
Recommended next step: When you are ready to plant, Shop seed garlic and shallots.
Garlic Variety & Bulb-Size Resources
Variety and clove size may influence bulb development, but neither guarantees a particular result.