Tips for Growing Garlic in Perth, WA
Growing garlic in Perth, WA can be a highly rewarding experience, but it’s important to select the right variety, prepare your soil properly, and follow best practices for planting and care. With Perth’s unique climate, garlic can thrive if you follow the right steps. In this post, we'll share essential tips to help you successfully grow garlic in your garden or farm.
Choosing the Right Garlic Variety to suit WA
For growing garlic in Perth, we recommend subtropical varieties as your best option, as they thrive in the warm conditions and mild winters. The top varieties suitable for Perth’s climate include:
Glen Large: A reliable variety that produces large, flavorful cloves.
Southern Glen: Known for its resilience and strong growth.
Italian Pink: Produces smaller, but very flavorful cloves.
Italian Red: A popular choice for its rich taste and adaptability.
These varieties are perfect for both home gardeners and commercial growers looking to grow garlic in Perth, WA's climate.
Many other varieties can be used however for beginners we would recommend this to start. You can learn more about these and other garlic varieties here https://www.australiangarlic.net.au/
We have had success growing Italian Pink garlic on our farm.
Preparing Your Soil for Garlic
Proper soil preparation is crucial when growing garlic in Perth WA. Garlic needs well-drained, fertile soil to thrive. Here are key steps to ensure your garlic has the best growing conditions:
PH Level: Garlic prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Test your soil before planting, and adjust the pH if necessary by adding lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower it).
Soil Nutrition: Garlic is a heavy feeder, so enrich your soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Adding nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as blood meal or fish emulsion, will promote healthy plant growth. Good nutrition is essential for large, healthy garlic seed bulbs.
Drainage: Well-drained soil is essential. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider using raised beds or adding sand to improve drainage. This helps prevent waterlogging, which can cause your garlic to rot.
Preparing the soil on our farm in Cowalla, WA. Our soil drains well so its suitable for growing garlic however requires regular fertigation to keep the plants strong & healthy.
When to Plant Garlic in Perth, WA
The best time to plant garlic seed in Perth is during autumn, from March to May. Planting garlic at this time allows it to develop strong roots over the cooler months and ensures a spring harvest. Growing garlic in Perth WA typically results in a harvest in spring (around early October to November), once the bulbs have matured.
Planting Tips
Clove Selection: Always plant the largest and healthiest garlic cloves, as these will yield the biggest and most robust garlic bulbs. Plant each clove about 2-3 cm deep, with the pointed end facing up. Space the cloves 10-15 cm apart for optimal growth.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the weather warms up in spring to prevent bulb rot.
Mulching: Add a layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Mulching is particularly helpful when growing garlic in Perth WA due to the dry spells in the region.
Caring for Your Garlic Crop
Fertilizing: Garlic is a heavy feeder, so continue applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers every few weeks until mid-spring. This will encourage strong, healthy growth.
Weeding: Garlic doesn’t compete well with weeds, so keep your garden bed weed-free. Mulching can help minimize weed growth, but regular hand weeding may also be necessary.
Pest and Disease Control: Garlic is generally pest-resistant, but it’s still important to monitor for diseases such as rust or pests like onion thrips. If you notice any issues, address them promptly using chemical or organic pest control methods.
Harvesting Garlic in Perth
Your garlic will be ready to harvest in spring, around late October to November, when the lower leaves begin to brown and die back, but the upper leaves are still green. To harvest, carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the garlic.
After harvesting, allow your garlic to cure in a warm, dry place for a minimum of 1-2 weeks. Curing helps harden the skin and enhances the flavor, making it ready for sale or storage.
Regular Garlic Seed Supply and Specialized Services
At Munns & Sons Farm, we offer a regular supply of garlic seed every summer, available for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Whether you’re looking to plant in your backyard or need bulk seed for a larger operation, we have you covered.
Additionally, we provide a specialized service to break down garlic bulbs into individual cloves using our machinery. This conveniently saves you time and effort, allowing you to plant quickly without the labor-intensive task of breaking down bulbs by hand. Whether you're a hobbyist gardener or a large-scale grower, our service ensures that your garlic seed is ready for planting in no time. Contact us below to find out more!
