faq

When to Plant Garlic by Zone Garlic is traditionally planted in the fall, approximately 2 to 4 weeks before the ground freezes. For most of North America, October serves as a general guideline, but planting times vary depending on your climate: Zones 3–5: Late September to early October (Hardneck varieties perform best in colder regions) Zones 5–7: Mid to late October Zones 7–9: Late October to November Zones 9–10: Late October to December (Softneck varieties are better suited for warmer climates) In warmer regions, where winters are mild and the ground doesn’t freeze deeply, we recommend vernalization—storing garlic in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks prior to planting. This process mimics winter conditions and encourages strong bulb development. If you’re unsure about your planting time or zone, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

How Many Garlic Plants Will I Get from a Pound of Seed? The number of garlic plants you can grow from a pound of seed depends on the type and size of garlic. Each clove you plant should grow into one full bulb. Hardneck Garlic Hardneck varieties typically yield 50–55 cloves per pound: ¼ lb = approximately 12–15 cloves (plants) ½ lb = approximately 22–28 cloves (plants) However, some hardneck varieties we offer—Music, Montana, and Metechi—produce exceptionally large bulbs with fewer, larger cloves. These varieties yield: ¼ lb = approximately 4–12 cloves ½ lb = approximately 8–24 cloves 1 lb = approximately 16–45 cloves Larger cloves are often easier to handle and produce vigorous plants but result in fewer total cloves per pound. Softneck Garlic Softneck varieties generally yield 60–65 cloves per pound: ¼ lb = approximately 16–20 cloves (plants) ½ lb = approximately 28–33 cloves (plants) Please note: these are averages and actual counts may vary slightly depending on variety and clove size.

How many garlic bulbs are in one pound of seed? A typical pound of seed garlic contains between 4 and 12 bulbs, depending on the variety and bulb size. All seed garlic bulbs provided will be at least 2 inches in diameter. If you have limited planting space, we recommend using the largest cloves for planting and consuming the smaller cloves. Generally, larger cloves tend to produce larger bulbs at harvest, although this can vary based on your growing conditions. If you’re interested in cooking with spring garlic, consider planting the smaller cloves in a separate area. This allows for easier harvesting of spring garlic AKA green garlic. Need more information about spring garlic read our blog here: SPRING GARLIC BLOG - by Garlic Gods

Is garlic seed small or a bulb? Garlic seed is a whole bulb, which you will break apart into individual cloves before planting. All of our seed garlic bulbs are at least 1.75 inches in diameter (typically larger than 2 inches). Since garlic grows by cloning, planting large cloves usually results in large bulbs. However, factors like soil quality, weather, and care can also affect the final bulb size. But as a general rule, bigger cloves tend to produce bigger bulbs. If you have more cloves than you can plant, we recommend planting the largest cloves and eating the smaller ones. You can feel safe eating any of our garlic. Garlic Gods garlic is grown using natural practices, without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. We do not treat our bulbs with chemical sprays or bleach, preserving their ability to initiate natural root development.

Do You Guarantee Your Garlic Seed? Due to the many variables involved in growing garlic—such as regional climate, planting time, soil preparation, watering practices, weed control, and fertilizer use—we cannot guarantee performance in every garden or growing environment. That said, we receive frequent positive feedback and have many loyal, repeat customers from across the country who are happy with the quality of our seed garlic. If you are not satisfied with the quality of your seed garlic upon arrival, we are happy to offer a replacement (subject to availability) or a full refund—provided the garlic has not been planted and you contact us within 30 days of shipment. We are unable to issue refunds or replacements once the garlic has been planted, and we assume no liability for issues that arise after planting. If requested, refunds or replacements will be processed once the original seed stock has been returned to Garlic Gods for inspection.

Shipping & Pre-Order Information At Garlic Gods, we begin shipping seed garlic annually by September 1st, prioritizing early-season pre-orders in the sequence they were received. Once all pre-orders have been fulfilled, we process new orders within 5 business days. We recommend placing your pre-orders early, as certain varieties are limited and tend to sell out quickly. Pre-orders for fall planting commence in April each year. Shipping Details: Shipping Carriers: Orders are dispatched via USPS and UPS Ground, with delivery times typically ranging from 3 to 5 days. Shipping Costs: We strive to keep shipping costs in line with current rates. The most economical shipping option is automatically selected based on the weight of your garlic purchase. Tracking: Upon shipment, you will receive an email containing tracking information for your order. Important Notes: Planting Instructions: Each order includes detailed planting instructions, including guidance on storing garlic seed prior to planting, as most customers receive their seed garlic weeks or months in advance. Please open your package upon arrival and store the garlic according to the provided directions. Cold Climate Considerations: For customers in regions with early ground freezing (e.g., Alaska), please contact us to ensure your order is shipped in time for planting. Shipping Restrictions: Currently, we only ship within the United States and are unable to accommodate international orders. Should you have any questions or require assistance, feel free to reach out to us at 208-260-8966 or via email at garlicgodsfarm@gmail.com.

What Is the Difference Between Hardneck and Softneck Garlic? Understanding the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic is key to choosing the right type for your climate, storage needs, and culinary preferences. Hardneck Garlic Ideal for Cold Climates (USDA Zones 3–8) Hardneck garlic varieties are well-suited for colder climates due to their winter hardiness. They require a period of cold dormancy to develop properly and tend to perform best in regions with a true winter season. Produces Garlic Scapes One distinguishing feature of hardneck garlic is the production of a central flowering stalk known as a scape, which appears approximately 3–4 weeks before harvest. Once the scape curls, it can be removed to redirect the plant’s energy toward bulb development, often resulting in larger bulbs. Scapes are edible and highly versatile—they can be grilled, sautéed, pickled, or made into garlic scape pesto. Clove Structure & Flavor Hardneck garlic typically forms a single ring of 4–12 large, easy-to-peel cloves around a stiff central stalk. They are known for their robust, complex, and often spicier flavor profiles, making them popular with chefs and food enthusiasts. Storage Life Hardneck varieties generally have a shorter storage life, lasting about 4–6 months under proper conditions. Softneck Garlic Best for Milder Climates (USDA Zones 6–10) Softneck garlic thrives in warmer regions but can also be successfully grown in colder climates with proper protection, such as a thick layer of mulch. These varieties are highly adaptable to various growing conditions but are less tolerant of extreme cold compared to hardneck types. If you live in a mild winter climate where temperatures do not consistently drop below 40°F, it is recommended to vernalize your garlic before planting. Vernalization involves refrigerating the garlic bulbs for 4+ weeks prior to planting to simulate winter conditions, which helps trigger proper bulb development. No Garlic Scapes Unlike hardnecks, softneck varieties do not produce a scape, which allows the plant to naturally devote all of its energy to bulb formation. **Note: Rossa Di Sulmona is a softneck garlic that sometimes produces a scape. Scapes are not guaranteed** Clove Structure & Presentation Softneck garlic usually has more cloves—often 10–20 per bulb—arranged in multiple layers. The cloves are generally smaller and more numerous than those of hardneck types. The flexible stems of softneck garlic make them ideal for braiding, a traditional and attractive storage method. Storage Life Softneck garlic is prized for its long shelf life, typically storing well for 9–10 months when kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment. Flavor Profile Softneck varieties tend to have a milder, more subtle flavor than hardneck types, making them well-suited for everyday cooking.

When Do You Harvest Garlic? Garlic is typically harvested in late spring to early summer, depending on your local climate, the garlic variety, and your planting date. For most regions in the United States, this means harvesting between late June and mid-July. The best indicator of when to harvest garlic is not a specific date but the condition of the plant’s leaves: Harvest when approximately 40% of the leaves have dried down and are brown or yellowing and falling over. The remaining 60% of the leaves should still be green, though they may be starting to brown slightly at the tips. Each green leaf on the garlic plant corresponds to a protective wrapper (paper layer) on the bulb. These layers are essential for curing, handling, and storage. If you wait too long and most of the leaves have died back, the bulb can begin to split or burst, exposing the inner cloves. Split bulbs are more prone to rot and have a significantly reduced shelf life. Pro Tip: To inspect your garlic for maturity before harvesting the whole crop, gently dig around one or two plants and check the bulb size and structure. The bulb should be well-formed, with tight, intact wrapper layers and clearly defined cloves. Additional Considerations: Hardneck garlic tends to mature earlier than softneck varieties. Avoid watering for the last 1–2 weeks before harvest to allow the soil to dry out and reduce the risk of mold or damage during curing. Use a digging fork or spade to carefully lift the bulbs—do not pull them by the stalk, as this can damage the bulb or neck. Once harvested, garlic should be cured in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight for 2–4 weeks to ensure proper drying before trimming and storage. For more information about harvest read our blog posts: When is it time to Harvest? or Garlic Harvest Signals

How Do You Cure Garlic? Curing garlic is an essential step that allows the bulbs to dry properly after harvest, which enhances flavor, extends shelf life, and prepares them for long-term storage or planting. Here’s how to cure garlic effectively: 1. Leave the Garlic Intact After Harvest Do not trim the roots or cut the stalks immediately after harvesting. Keep the bulb, roots, and leaves all attached throughout the curing process. This allows moisture and nutrients from the plant to continue flowing into the bulb as it dries. 2. Choose a Proper Curing Location Garlic should be cured in a well-ventilated, dry, and shaded area out of direct sunlight. Direct sun can cause garlic bulbs to sunburn, which not only damages the skin but also reduces shelf life and increases the risk of spoilage. Ideal locations include: A cool, dry garage A shaded shed or barn A well-ventilated basement Covered porch or outbuilding with good airflow Avoid damp, humid spaces, and never cure garlic in direct sunlight. Use fans if necessary to increase airflow and reduce humidity. 3. Hanging or Laying Garlic to Cure You have two main options for curing: A. Hanging Method Tie garlic into bundles of 5–10 plants using twine, rope, or yarn. Hang the bundles from rafters, hooks, or drying racks. Space the bundles so air can flow freely around each plant. This method works well for both hardneck and softneck varieties. B. Rack or Shelf Method Lay the garlic flat on racks, screens, or ventilated shelves. Make sure bulbs are not touching and have airflow on all sides. Avoid stacking or covering the garlic, which can trap moisture and cause mold. Optional for Softneck Garlic: Softneck garlic can be braided before curing if desired. Hang the braids in the same way as bundles to allow for proper airflow. 4. Duration of Curing Garlic typically takes 3–4 weeks to cure completely. You'll know it's ready when the outer skins are papery, the roots are dry and brittle, and the neck tissue (where the stalk meets the bulb) is completely dry. 5. Cleaning and Storing Garlic Once fully cured: Trim the roots close to the bulb. Cut the stalks down to about 1 inch above the bulb (unless braided). Gently remove any dirty or loose outer layers of skin to clean the bulb, but do not peel too deeply. Storage Tips: Store garlic in a mesh bag, paper bag, or basket to allow airflow. Do not store garlic in plastic bags—they trap moisture and encourage rot. Do not refrigerate garlic—cold temperatures can trigger sprouting. Ideal storage conditions are cool (60°F or below), dark, and dry with good ventilation.

Why Should I Pre-Order Garlic Seed? Pre-ordering garlic seed is the best way to secure your preferred varieties and ensure a successful planting season. As interest in home gardening continues to grow, Garlic Gods has experienced earlier and more frequent sellouts each year, especially of rare and specialty garlic types. 1. High Demand & Limited Availability Many of our most popular and unique garlic varieties—such as Korean Red, Rossa di Sulmona, and other heirlooms—are produced in limited quantities and often sell out quickly. Once a variety is sold out, it will not be available again until the next harvest season, as garlic is planted and grown on a once-per-year cycle. 2. Reserve Your Favorites Early Pre-ordering guarantees that your order is reserved and prioritized before shipping begins. This is especially important for growers who rely on specific varieties for their climate, culinary needs, or market sales. By reserving early, you can: Lock in your favorite varieties before they sell out Ensure you have enough seed stock for your space and growing plans Plan your garden with confidence and avoid last-minute substitutions 3. When to Pre-Order Garlic Gods begins accepting pre-orders in April each year. Orders are fulfilled starting in early September, timed perfectly for fall planting, which is ideal for strong root development and larger bulbs at harvest. 4. Shipping & Fulfillment Pre-orders are shipped first, in the order they are received. Remaining inventory is made available for general sale after pre-orders are fulfilled—though selection is often limited at that point. Don’t miss out—pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee access to our full selection of premium seed garlic. Whether you're a home gardener or a market grower, planning ahead ensures you’ll be ready to plant with the varieties you love most.