How to Grow Garlic Indoors: Yes, It’s Possible

Garlic is one of the easiest garden plants to grow, which, along with its health benefits and pungent flavor, is just another reason to love it. This low-maintenance onion relative is usually planted in the fall about a month before the first frost to allow cold weather to induce dormancy and give it time to produce bulbs for summer harvest following. But those who enjoy the taste of fresh garlic (which can be eaten immediately after harvest) may want to learn how to grow garlic indoors so they have a supply on hand no matter what. or the season.

Before you start

Spatially, garlic is ideal for indoor growing as it is comfortable in compact spaces. However, there are other things to consider:

Garlic requires 6 to 8 hours of direct light. Where natural light is insufficient, grow lights can be substituted, but they do not grow as well under artificial light.
Garlic (especially stiffneck varieties) needs cool temperatures during a dormant period before planting. When growing indoors, this can be replicated by placing the bulbs in the refrigerator.
All parts of garlic are toxic to dogs and cats, so make sure they are safe when planting them indoors.

How to Grow Garlic Indoors in 6 Easy Steps

Growing garlic indoors can be easier than outdoors because you control the environment, eliminating pest infestations and ensuring consistent growing conditions. But it’s only a benefit if you provide it with all the elements this root vegetable needs to thrive.

Step 1: Select the Right Garlic Varieties for Growing Indoors.

Photo: Xiuxia Huang via Getty Images

There are approximately 300 varieties of garlic, divided into hardneck and softneck types. Although all types can be grown indoors, softneck types tend to grow better indoors because hardneck types prefer colder climates.

Winter garlic is easy to grow indoors because it has no dormant period and is less demanding, says Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum. “Spring garlic is better suited to growing garlic leaves because it will produce smaller bulbs but larger scapes.”

Some varieties that grow well indoors include:

Step 2: Choose the right size container.

Garlic can grow in a compact container 6 to 8 inches in diameter, depending on the number of cloves planted, but since it is essentially a root crop, the pot must be deep enough (at least 8 inches) to allow the bulbs to develop.

Clay pots are a good choice, but regardless of the type of material the container is made from, it must drain well. A five-gallon bucket may be sufficient, but you will need to drill holes in the bottom to allow the water to drain.

Step 3: Use the Right Soil.

Choose a lightweight, sterile commercial potting mix that includes vermiculite or perlite to aid in water retention and drainage. While garlic likes loamy and sandy soils, Borisevich says, “Any store-bought all-purpose soil mix will work great for garlic.” » Because garlic appreciates soils with good fertility, opt for a mixture with peat or compost. Alternatively, you can add an organic fertilizer to increase soil nutrients.

You can also prepare soil for growing garlic yourself by mixing two parts leaf mold compost, two parts other compost, and three parts sand.

Step 4: Prepare the garlic bulbs for planting.

Separate the bulb(s) you intend to plant into cloves, leaving as much of the papery skin as possible. Place them in a plastic bag with a little soil. Put the bag in the freezer and leave it there for 4 to 6 weeks. This process, called vernalization, replicates the conditions cloves would face outdoors. Alternatively, if outside temperatures are cool, you can place them outside. This cold period is essential for growing garlic bulbs indoors because it encourages the germination of garlic cloves.

Step 5: Plant the cloves in the soil.

Garlic cloves should be planted about 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up, and spaced about 6 inches apart. Gently pack the soil around the planted cloves. Irrigate until excess water drains away. Garlic likes soil that is consistently moist, but not soggy. During its germination period it may need more abundant watering.

Place the container in a cool, sunny location where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect light.

Step 6: Maintain conditions for healthy growth.

Photo: Xiuxia Huang via Getty Images

To get the most out of your garlic harvest, maintain conditions that will allow the plants to thrive.

Store garlic in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, or use grow lights indoors.
The ideal air temperature range for growing garlic is 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with the colder end of this range being more ideal.
The soil should be consistently moist, but not soggy. Avoid overwatering.
Use a fan for air circulation to prevent mold.
Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks once the shoots reach 6 inches tall. Borisevich suggests using “complex mineral fertilizers containing all basic nutrients, as well as microelements that increase the resistance of plants to pests and diseases.”
Sturdy bamboo stakes in the pots will keep the garlic upright.

Final Thoughts

These simple steps will allow you to grow garlic indoors all year round, providing fresh flavor to your favorite dishes. Garlic does not require much attention, but a cold dormant period should be planned for. After that, all it requires is nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, at least 6 hours of direct light, consistent moisture, and regular fertilization.

Fortunately, garlic doesn’t produce strong odors when growing, but it is toxic to dogs and cats, so take precautions.