Garlics in Edinburgh
Allium sativum
Garlic is a hardy, sun-loving bulbous vegetable from the onion family, grown for its pungent cloves used in cooking. It’s easy to grow in a warm, well-drained spot and needs minimal fuss – plant individual cloves and they will develop into full bulbs by the following summer. Most garlic varieties require a cold spell over winter to form good bulbs, so in the UK they are generally planted in autumn. There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck types produce flower stalks (scapes) which should be removed, and their bulbs have fewer but larger cloves (they store for around 4–6 months). Softneck types have more, smaller cloves and rarely bolt; they also store for longer, often up to a year.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Garlic
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Plant garlic cloves in early spring for a later summer harvest. This method is useful if autumn planting was missed.
1 Prepare Soil
Ensure the soil is well-draining and fertile. Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure, ideally 1st March - 16th March. Remove any weeds and break up clods.
2 Plant Cloves
Plant individual cloves with the tips just showing above the soil, spaced apart in rows apart. Firm the soil gently around them. This is best done 16th March - 1st April.
3 Weed and Water
Keep the area weed-free and water during dry spells to ensure good growth. Garlic has shallow roots and benefits from consistent moisture. Maintain this 31st March - 22nd July after planting.
4 Remove Scapes
If growing hardneck varieties, snap off the curly flower scapes in late spring to direct energy into bulb growth. Do this 22nd June - 22nd July when scapes appear.
5 Harvest Bulbs
Lift bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over, typically 22nd July - 21st August. Use a fork to loosen the soil and avoid damaging the bulbs.
6 Cure and Store
Dry the harvested bulbs in a well-ventilated, shaded spot for 2–3 weeks until the skins are papery. Trim the roots and foliage before storing in a cool, dry place. Start curing 6th August - 13th August after harvest.
Companion Plants
Plants that grow well (or poorly) with Garlic
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting can help deter pests, improve pollination, enhance growth, and maximize garden space. Some plants release chemicals that repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade for sensitive plants.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Garlic to consider
Solent Wight
A softneck variety with a strong flavour, excellent for storing and well-suited to UK climates.
Purple Wight
A hardneck variety with purple-striped skin and a milder taste, ideal for autumn planting.
Cristo
A softneck variety known for its large bulbs and good resistance to rust, suitable for spring planting.
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