Skip to main content
← All plants

Garlic

Allium sativum
Also known as: Stinking Rose, Camphor of the Poor

Garlic is a herb in the Amaryllidaceae family. It grows best in full sun with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach harvest about 240–270 days after planting and sit about 4 inches apart.

Varieties

20 from Seeds Now · sorted by days to maturity
  • California Early240–270 days

    Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Adaptable to any climate! • Easy growing • Soft-neck • Mild flavor Details California Early is very adaptable to any climate, and easy to grow. This variety has one of the longest storage life. Flavor is very mild. California Early is a premium variety prized for its soft, pliable necks, making it ideal for braiding and long-term storage. Grown organically, this early-maturing garlic thrives in diverse climates, producing robust bulbs with rich flavor perfect for culinary and medicinal use. Its adaptable growth habit suits home gardens and small farms, delivering reliable yields of quality garlic while supporting sustainable agriculture practices. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Chesnok Red240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Hard neck • Good for baking Details A very large bulb that contains 9-10 nicely colored, easy-to-peel cloves. Especially good for baking because it holds its shape, and keeps its delightful aroma. Originated in the country of Georgia. Garlic Chesnok Red is a hard-neck variety prized for its rich, robust flavor and easy peeling. Ideal for cooler climates, it produces large, plump cloves enclosed in a deep red-purple skin. Its sturdy neck supports scapes that can be harvested for a milder garlic taste. This cultivar offers excellent storage capability, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. Perfect for both culinary and medicinal applications, Chesnok Red thrives in well-drained soil with consistent moisture, requiring moderate care to yield a bountiful harvest. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Early Purple Italian240–270 days

    Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Organic • Best Seller! • Early • An excellent variety for hot climates • Mild Flavor • Purple stripes Details The bulb is large and white-skinned with purple stripes and numerous small cloves. Widely grown around Gilroy, California, the "garlic capital" of the world. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • German, Red240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Grows well in most any climate. • Hard neck • Strong flavor Details This large bright purple bulb contains 8-12, extra easy-to-peel, round, light brown cloves with some purple at the base. Flavor is strong, hot, and spicy. Keeps moderately well when properly cured and stored. Can be grown in mild climates; However, develops better quality and size where winters are cold. Color will become brighter if it is stressed by too much water. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Inchelium Red240–270 days

    Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Organic • Large bulbs • Softneck • Dense cloves Details From Inchelium, WA, on the Colville Indian Reservation. The bulbs are large - to 3+ inches in diameter. 8-20 cloves of good size. Mild, but lasting, flavor, with a hint of hot! Dense cloves store well. The flavor can get stronger in storage. This vigorous soft-necked variety won a Rodale taste test of 20 garlic strains - named \"Very Best of the Soft-Necks.\" Available Spring and Fall. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Italian Late240–270 days

    Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Beautiful to braid! • Fast growing • Softneck Details Light colored wrappers covering cloves which are generally fat and round. The extra-tight skin makes it a better keeper. This variety matures later than Early Italian Purple and tends to be somewhat smaller then Early Italian Purple as well. Good braiding type. Available Spring and Fall. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Killarney, Red240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Rocambole • Easy to peel • Hard neck • Strong, nutty flavor Details We consider Killarney Red to be superior, but similar to Spanish Roja and German Red. Produces better in wet conditions. Strong and nutty flavor. Averages 7-9 easy to peel cloves. Easy to handle but loosely covered cloves result in a shorter storage life than some other varieties. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Mexican Violet240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • VERY COLD HARDY • Hardneck • Excellent flavor Details This is a brand new addition to our seed library. And we are very excited to introduce this incredible hardneck garlic to you all! Rich flavor and medium to hot heat. Containing 4 to 8 easy to peel buff-colored cloves streaked with red highlights, it has excellent yields and is VERY cold hardy. Stores for 6 months or even more. Add a couple cloves to your garden and you won't regret doing so. Super easy to grow and ready for planting now. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Nootka Rose240–270 days

    Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    This heirloom garlic has medium to large bulb. Beautifully bright white skin with light rose-colored streaked cloves Very attractive for braiding. Excellent flavor. Strong flavor. In rich soil, cloves can lose their rosy hue. This variety of garlic has long shelf-life and will store well into next spring or even summer. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Persian Star240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Organic • Hard neck • Mild spicy flavor Details Persian Star is a purple stripe harneck type garlic. Produces a medium bulb with 9-12 cloves. Bright colored cloves that are marbled purple with a white or yellow background. Flavor is a mild spicy. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Porcelain German240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Grows well in any climate • Hardneck • Strong flavor Details Grows a very large bulb containing easy to peel cloves. The white wrappers have delicate purple stripes. This one is #1 on taste. Stores up to six months. Does well in any climate. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Porcelain Musik240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Musik (also spelled Music) is a porcelain-type hardneck garlic prized for its rich, musky flavor with medium heat. Each bulb contains roughly 4 to 7 large, easy-to-peel cloves with thick, protective white wrappers, sometimes streaked with red. It offers excellent yields, is very cold hardy, and stores well for up to 6 months or more.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Purple Creole240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • produces dark purple colored cloves • hard neck Details Purple Creole is a hard neck type garlic. Best for raw eating, and produces dark purple colored cloves. Great hard neck to grow in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Red Grain240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Organic • Hard neck • Spicy flavor but sweet when cooked Details Red Grain is a purple stipe hardneck type garlic. It produces 9-12 medium size cloves. White with red streaks throughout. Spicy in flavor, but sweet when cooked. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Russian Red240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Hard neck • Rocambole Details Red Russian is a rocambole garlic that was brought to the Pacific Northwest by Russian immigrants in the 1900s. It can withhold very cold winter temperatures while being grown in the garden. Early-Mid Season and averages 6-7 cloves per bulb. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Silver Rose240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    This heirloom garlic has medium to large bulb. Rose-colored cloves in very smooth bright-white bulbs. Mild flavor Beautiful garlic to braid! The longest-storing garlic we sell. Fast-growing garlic. Very popular in western and southern US and in France and Italy. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Spanish Roja240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Hard neck • Rocambole Details Gourmet garlic famous for flavor! Light purple streaks on 7-13 easy-to-peel cloves. Suited to colder climates. May not yield well where winters are too mild. Very popular with market gardeners and restaurants. Brought to the Northwest before 1900; often called “Greek Blue”. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Svea240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • A favorite amongst chefs • Easy to peel • Hard neck • Strong, hot and full flavored Details This hard neck packs a punch! Strong, hot and full flavored, Svea is perfect for baking and is a favorite with chefs. Fat, purple streaked, easy to peel cloves per bulb. Thrives in colder climates, good storage. Svea is a robust variety prized for its strong flavor and reliable growth in cooler climates. This hard-neck garlic produces large cloves with easy-to-peel skins, ideal for culinary use. Its sturdy neck supports the formation of a scape, signaling optimal harvest time. Svea thrives in well-drained soils and benefits from a cold dormant period, making it well-suited for gardeners seeking a hardy, flavorful garlic that stores well through the winter months. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Ukrainian Red240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Easy to peel • Hard neck • Rich, full-bodied taste Details Ukrainian Red is a Rocambole hardneck type garlic. Produces 7-10 large cloves that are easy to peel. Strong spicy flavor when raw, but milds with cooking. Cloves are brownish red in color. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
  • Violet240–270 days

    Direct sow; Grows well with raised beds; Super easy to grow

    Quick Overview • Big bulbs! • Hard neck • Excellent flavor Details Violet is an Asiatic type hard neck. Bulbs are white colored with purple streaks. It produces big bulbs with 10-12 large cloves. Flavor tends to be slightly spicy. How to Plant Garlic Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended. Bulbs will grow bigger and more flavorful when you plant them in the fall. Plant 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost. In southern areas, February or March can be a better time to plant. Key Planting Info: Break apart cloves from bulb but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Ensure soil is well-drained with plenty of organic matter. Plant in Full Sun. Plant 4 inches apart & 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide end down and pointed end facing up). Come springtime, shoots will begin to emerge. Click here for a more detailed Garlic Grow Guide ->

    View on Seeds Now
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Category
Herb
Form
Bulb
Lifecycle
perennial
Zone
2-13
Height
1–2 ft
Spread
0.3333333333333333–0.5 ft
Sun
Full sun

Plant spacing

9 plants per square footSquare-foot planting diagram: a 1-foot square divided into a 3-by-3 grid holding 9 garlic plants spaced 4 inches apart.
9 plants per square foot

In a square-foot bed, space garlic about 4 in apart — that fits 9 plants in each 1-foot square (3×3). Wider rows or containers space the same.

Water
Medium

Plan your garlic planting

Add garlic to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.

Start your free plan →

At a glance

Days to harvest
240–270 days
From transplant or sow to first harvest
Harvest style
Harvest once
One main harvest
Frost tolerance
Hardy · to ~10°F
Lowest temperature the foliage usually survives

Storing & preserving

Cure 2–3 weeks, then store cool, dark, and dry — keeps for months.

  • Cure & store: Dry the necks/skins fully, then store in a cool pantry.
  • Freeze: Freeze chopped for cooking (texture softens).

General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Growing timeline

When to plant and harvest garlicPlanting timeline for garlic, relative to first frost: grow from 6 weeks before first frost to 28 weeks after first frost; harvest from 28 weeks after first frost to 33 weeks after first frost.GrowHarvestFirst frostDirect sow
Direct-sow garlic 6 weeks before first frost; first harvest 28 weeks after first frost.
Outdoor planting
-42 to -28 days vs frost
Propagation
Clove
Schedule anchor
First Frost

Companion planting — with cited sources

From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.

Pairs well with (3)

  • CarrotEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter

    Garlic is traditionally interplanted to mask carrots from carrot rust fly, while carrots loosen soil around developing bulbs; the aromatic-masking effect is weakly supported.

    Source: S7

  • Common CabbageEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter

    Garlic is reported to repel aphids and cabbage pests on brassicas via pungent sulfur volatiles.

    Source: S7

  • Common TomatoEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter

    Garlic's sulfur volatiles (allicin) are widely reported by extension to deter aphids and spider mites on tomato; mechanism is plausible but controlled-trial support is limited.

    Source: S7

Sources cited

S7
University of Minnesota Extension

Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations

When to feed, prune & water

Feed alliums in spring

Feeding
  • Routine careFeed nitrogen every 3 weeks during active growth· every 3 wks · ~9 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Alliums build the bulb from spring leaf growth. Feed a nitrogen source every ~3 weeks through spring, then stop once bulbs start to swell so they cure well.

    Source: UMN Extension

Remove garlic scapes

Pruning
  • Routine careCut or snap off scapes earlystrong evidence — extension confidence

    On hardneck garlic, remove the flower stalk (scape) while it is young and curling so the plant puts its energy into the bulb instead of seed. Cut just above the top leaves; the scapes are tender and good to eat.

    Source: UMN Extension; Penn State Extension

Floating row cover timing

Protection

Unusual this time of year.

Overwinter mulch for garlic

Mulch

Unusual this time of year.

Something looks wrong?

Describe what you see on your garlicand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.

Bacterial soft rot

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: mushy water-soaked decay of fleshy tissue; slimy soft rot of heads, bulbs, roots, or fruit; foul odor from rotting tissue; rapid collapse after wounding or in warm wet conditions; rot spreading in storage

  • CulturalRemove rotting plants and produce (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence

    Soft rot can't be cured once tissue breaks down; promptly remove and discard affected plants and produce so the bacteria don't spread to neighbors or other stored vegetables.

    Source: Cornell NYS IPM

  • CulturalAvoid wounds and excess moisturestrong evidence — extension confidence

    Harvest in dry conditions, handle gently to avoid bruising, control insects that create entry wounds, and improve drainage; cure and store bulbs and roots cool and dry.

    Source: Cornell NYS IPM

  • CulturalDon't overwater and rotatemoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid waterlogged soil and overhead watering that splashes bacteria, and rotate away from previously affected fleshy crops to lower disease pressure.

    Source: Cornell NYS IPM

Onion & garlic white rot

Diseasesevere

Symptoms: yellowing and dieback of leaves; plants pull up easily; fluffy white mold at the base and on bulbs; tiny black poppy-seed sclerotia in the rot; spreads in patches in cool moist soil

Leafhoppers & aster yellows

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: small wedge-shaped insects hop from leaves; stippled or yellowed foliage; with aster yellows: yellow stunted growth, witches-broom of thin shoots, deformed bitter carrots

Leek moth and thrips on leeks

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: whitish windowpane streaks or mottling on leaves (thrips); pale winding mines and holes in leaves; caterpillars tunneling in leaves and stems; distorted rotting foliage from secondary infection

  • CulturalCover and clean upmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Cover plants with insect netting or row cover at planting to keep egg-laying leek moths and thrips off, and remove and destroy badly infested leaves and crop debris. Rotate alliums to a new spot each year to break the pest cycle.

    Source: RHS: Leek moth; RHS: Thrips on Garden Plants

  • OrganicWash off thrips or spray· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For thrips, hose plants down to dislodge them, or apply a labeled insecticidal soap or neem product per the label. For leek moth caterpillars, a labeled spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis product applied per the label when young larvae are active can help.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: RHS: Leek moth; RHS: Thrips on Garden Plants

Leek rust

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: bright orange raised pustules on leaves; yellowing around the spots; heavily infected leaves drying and dying back; reduced size of usable shank

  • CulturalImprove airflow and remove infected leavesmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Leek rust is a fungal disease favored by damp, crowded conditions and lush growth; space plants well, avoid over-feeding with nitrogen, and remove badly affected leaves. Mild cases usually still produce a usable crop, and rotating alliums each year helps prevent buildup.

    Source: RHS: Leek rust; UMN Extension: Growing leeks

Onion thrips

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: silvery streaks and flecks on leaves; tiny slivers that scatter when disturbed; worst in hot dry weather

  • CulturalOverhead-water and remove debris· every 3 days · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Thrips dislike moisture; overhead irrigation and weed/debris cleanup reduce them. Reflective mulch deters them on young plants.

    Source: UMN Extension

  • OrganicInsecticidal soap/spinosad - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For heavy pressure a labeled soap or spinosad on a weekly schedule helps. Follow the label.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UMN Extension

Purple blotch and botrytis leaf blight on onion

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: small white or tan spots on leaves enlarging into purple lesions with yellow margins; lesions girdling and collapsing leaves; tip dieback; worse in warm humid weather or after thrips damage

  • CulturalRotate, manage moisture, and ease off nitrogenstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Use a three to four year rotation, plant on well-drained raised beds with good spacing, and avoid prolonged leaf wetness. Skip heavy late-season nitrogen and manage thrips, since their feeding wounds open the door to infection.

    Source: NC State Extension; UC IPM Onion and Garlic

  • ChemicalApply a protectant fungicide if needed· every 10 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    If lesions spread under warm humid conditions, apply a labeled protectant fungicide per the label, starting early and repeating while weather favors disease.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: NC State Extension; UC IPM Onion and Garlic

Cabbage & onion root maggots

Pestmoderate

Unusual this time of year.

Symptoms: young brassica or onion transplants wilt and stunt; bluish off-color leaves; white legless maggots in roots; rotting tunneled roots; plants pull up easily

Onion and garlic downy mildew

Diseasemoderate

Unusual this time of year.

Symptoms: fine furry grayish-white growth on older leaves when humid; pale or yellowing patches on leaves; leaves dying back from the tips; lesions later turning purplish; worst in cool wet weather

  • CulturalRotate, space, and use clean stockstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Rotate at least three years away from alliums, plant disease-free sets and cloves, and space rows for airflow so leaves dry quickly. Avoid overhead watering during cool humid spells and remove infected leaves.

    Source: UC IPM Onion and Garlic; NC State Extension

  • ChemicalApply a fungicide under wet conditions· every 10 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Where the disease recurs and weather stays cool and wet, apply a labeled fungicide preventively per the label before symptoms become widespread.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM Onion and Garlic