Solent Wight
A softneck variety with a strong flavour, excellent for storing and well-suited to UK climates.
When to plant Garlic in Stirling
Allium sativum
Hardy garlic for a sunny, well-drained UK bed. Plant garlic sold for planting in autumn so it gets a cold spell and makes bulbs the following summer. Choose named varieties sold as seed garlic rather than supermarket bulbs. Hardneck types make a flower stem called a scape. Snap it off when it appears. Softneck types rarely make scapes.
60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Stirling · average last frost around 1 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
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.
01
Prepare Soil
17 Mar to 1 AprEnsure the soil is well-draining and fertile. Dig in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure, ideally 17th March - 1st April. Remove any weeds and break up clods.
02
Plant Cloves
1 Apr to 17 AprPlant 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 1st April - 17th April.
03
Weed and Water
8 Apr to 15 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageKeep the area weed-free and water during dry spells to ensure good growth. Garlic has shallow roots and benefits from consistent moisture. Maintain this 8th April - 15th August after planting.
04
Remove Scapes
30 Jun to 15 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageIf growing hardneck varieties, snap off the curly flower scapes in late spring to direct energy into bulb growth. Do this 30th June - 15th August when scapes appear.
05
Harvest Bulbs
30 Jul to 14 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageLift bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and fall over, typically 30th July - 14th September. Use a fork to loosen the soil and avoid damaging the bulbs.
06
Cure and Store
30 Jul to 21 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageDry 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 30th July - 21st September after harvest.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Garlic.
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Garlic to consider
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.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May, harvest June to September. Typical frost risk October to May.
Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May, harvest September to February. Typical frost risk October to May.
Calabrese
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May, harvest July to September. Typical frost risk October to May.