How Much Garlic Does One Clove Produce in the Garden?

So, you’ve decided to grow garlic in your garden. This ancient crop is a wonderful garden addition for so many reasons: It’s low-maintenance, winter-hardy, and high-yielding. But how much garlic can you harvest from one clove? And how much will you need to plant for a sufficient supply?

If this is your first time growing this vegetable, you’re probably working out how much you need to grow to meet your family’s needs. Let’s figure out how much garlic each clove will produce and how to plan your crop accordingly.

The Short Answer

One clove will produce one bulb of garlic, which could have 4 to 20 cloves, depending on the cultivar. The size, weight, and number of cloves is determined by the type and variety you choose. For example, one clove of ‘Chesnok Red‘ yields one large garlic bulb with at least 9 to 10 large cloves. In contrast, one ‘Ichelium Red‘ softneck plant produces one bulb with 10 to 20 smaller cloves arranged in layers.

The amount of garlic seeds you should grow largely depends on the variety and your growing conditions. Hardnecks are best for northern regions, while softnecks are usually grown in the South. If you want to grow hardnecks in a warmer climate, you need to refrigerate them before planting.

The Long Answer

There is both a simple and a complex answer to this question. Let’s talk first about how many bulbs you’ll get from a clove, and then what that means in terms of how much garlic that equates to. 

One Clove, One Bulb

The simple answer is that one clove or seed will produce one whole garlic bulb. However, not every bulb is equal in terms of size, weight, and quality. It’s important to know how to best care for your crop to maximize the vigor and quality.

This bulbous root vegetable grows best in rich, loose soil with excellent drainage. Soil that is too dense will compact and inhibit growth. Poor drainage and soggy soil can cause them to rot. Soaking your seeds in water with diluted apple cider vinegar or peroxide before planting can help kill off any unwanted pathogens they could be harboring. 

If your soil is poor or sandy, make sure to amend it with plenty of compost or manure. Space your seeds about six to eight inches apart in holes that are two to four inches deep. It’s important to place them with the pointed end facing upward, as this is where the green part sprouts. That is how they will get sunlight. 

Find a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day. Water them well after planting and if you live in a cooler climate, be sure to add a layer of mulch or straw on top. This protects them from cold, suppresses weeds, and retains moisture in the soil. 

Hardneck vs. Softneck

Another facet of ‘how much’ is the weight or mass of your final products, in contrast to the number of bulbs. While it’s true that one seed will grow one bulb, the size of the final harvest can vary widely. The care you give makes a difference, but not as much as the variety you choose.

There are two types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Within these two, there are ten different sub-types differentiated by their DNA composition and garden performance.

Hardneck varieties have larger bulbs and cloves. There will be fewer cloves per bulb, but in general, more mass and more weight, so more garlic altogether. Hardneck types don’t grow as well in warmer climates, so that’s a consideration to make when choosing. These also tend to be the most flavorful and popular in the culinary world. 

Softneck varieties are smaller in all ways. There will be more cloves per bulb, but they will be smaller, with tighter skins, so it’s more work to peel them. The flavor is milder for those who prefer a less potent flavor. They are easier to grow in warm climates, and they also store better and longer. 

How Much Should You Plant?

It’s difficult to give an across-the-board answer to this question because we all have different garlic needs. There are plenty of opinions out there, and one of the more common is that you should plant 15 cloves, per person, in your household. If each clove yields one large bulb, you will have 15 full bulbs of garlic.

Bear in mind that not all varieties are the same size. One pound of hardneck equates to about eight bulbs, or 35-50 cloves. One pound of softneck is closer to 50-70 cloves. 

Another factor to consider is how much you want to have leftover to plant for the next year. Make sure to reserve a certain number of bulbs to set aside to use as seed. If you plant 15 cloves per person, that’s 60 cloves, and ultimately, 60 bulbs for a family of four. To have enough left over to plant the same amount next year, you’ll want to plant an additional 15-20 seeds, depending on the variety. 

If you’re not sure how much you’ll use, it’s good to err on the high side. You can always share if you end up with more than you need. An extra productive garden makes good neighbors. Decide how many bulbs you need per person in your family. Then, plant as though there is one additional person to have plenty set aside for next year. 

How Long Does it Take?

Once you’ve planted, it’s time to settle in for the long haul. This crop has a surprisingly long growing season, but you don’t need to do much during this time. Your climate will influence the time of year you plant and have some effect on the length of the season. However, as a general rule, it takes between eight and ten months for cloves to mature into bulbs. 

If you plant in the fall, you should be ready to harvest mid-summer. Then you’ll need to store your extra bulbs for a few months, to plant again in the fall. Some of the factors that influence the vigor and growth rate include the fertility of the soil, the temperature during each part of the process, and the amount of sunlight your plants receive.

You will know it’s time to harvest when the first two or three leaves turn brown.