How to Propagate Garlic
Allium sativum
| Methods | Division (cloves) |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Best season | Fall |
| Time to root | 2–4 weeks to sprout |
| Group | Herb |
Each clove of a garlic bulb can grow into a whole new plant. Plant individual cloves pointed-end up, unpeeled, and don’t separate them from the bulb until right before planting — separated cloves dry out and root less reliably over time.
Division (cloves)
- Separate the bulb into individual cloves just before planting.
- Plant each clove pointed end up, about 2 inches deep.
- Space cloves several inches apart.
Shoots emerge in 2–4 weeks; bulbs mature over many months.
When to propagate
Fall, for a spring/summer harvest the following year.
Common problems
Cloves rotted instead of sprouting. Soil too wet — garlic needs well-draining soil, especially over winter.
Questions people ask
Can I use grocery store garlic? Yes, though it may be treated to inhibit sprouting — garlic from a garden store or farmers market tends to sprout more reliably.
Is garlic toxic to pets? Yes — garlic and the whole onion family are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten in any quantity, even though they’re safe for people. Keep cloves and trimmings away from pets.