How to Grow Garlic in New Zealand
Tradition says plant on the shortest day and harvest on the longest, so get cloves in around June and lift them in late November. Use certified NZ seed garlic such as Printanor rather than supermarket bulbs, which are often treated to stop sprouting.
When to plant garlic in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | April, May, June, July |
| Auckland | April, May, June, July |
| Waikato & BoP | April, May, June, July |
| Wellington | April, May, June, July |
| Nelson & Marlborough | April, May, June, July |
| Canterbury | April, May, June, July |
| Otago & Southland | April, May, June, July |
| Central Otago | April, May, June, July |
Best garlic varieties for NZ
- Printanor — The main NZ-grown softneck; reliable, good-keeping and the home-garden standard. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10 (seasonal))
- Takahue — Northland heirloom adapted to NZ conditions over generations; strong flavour. (Kings Seeds, specialty growers)
- Elephant Garlic — Mild, very large bulbs; technically a leek relative rather than true garlic. (Kings Seeds)
How to grow garlic
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 3cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 210 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 18 days.
Companion planting
Grow garlic near: Beetroot, Lettuce, Strawberry, Tomato, Fruit trees.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Rust. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Garlic plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant garlic in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in April, May, June, July. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy garlic seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10 (seasonal).