Garlic is a delicious addition to any dish, but did you know that it’s also a nutritious powerhouse? This humble herb is packed with vitamins and minerals, including selenium, manganese, and vitamins B6 and C.
And like all plants, garlic needs sunlight to grow. So how much sun does garlic need?
Garlic needs around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In some cases, you may need to supplement your garlic’s sunlight with grow lights.
The amount of sun required by your garlic plants will vary depending on the time of year, type of garlic, and other factors.
Ready to learn more? Let’s take a closer look!
How Much Sun Does Garlic Require?
On average, garlic plants need around six to eight hours of sunlight per day. However, there are a few variables that impact how much sun your plants require. One of the most significant factors is the stage of growth your plants are currently at.
Seeds
Garlic seeds need full sun in order to germinate, so make sure to plant them in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Once the seeds have germinated, you can thin them out so that only the healthiest plants are left. These should be spaced about 4-6 inches apart.
Seedlings
As your garlic seedlings begin to grow, they will need at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to thrive. If possible, try to provide them with eight hours of sunlight per day.
If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade so that your seedlings don’t become stressed by the heat.
Fresh Transplants
When you transplant your garlic into its permanent home, make sure that it is in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
You may need to provide some afternoon shade if you live in an area with very hot summers. spacing your plants about 4-6 inches apart will give them enough room to grow.
Mature Plants
Once your garlic plants are mature, they will need at least six hours of sunlight per day in order to produce bulbs that are big enough to harvest.
If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade so that your plants don’t become stressed by the heat.
Does Garlic Need Full Sun?
The answer depends on the type of garlic you are growing. For hardneck garlic, which is the type most often grown in home gardens, full sun is ideal.
Six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day will produce the largest and most flavorful bulbs.
Softneck garlic, on the other hand, is more tolerant of shade. It can be grown successfully in an area that receives only four to six hours of sun per day.
How Many Hours of Sun Does Garlic Need?
Though garlic is tolerant of partial shade, it will produce the best results if it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Garlic that does not receive enough sunlight tends to be smaller and less flavorful. In addition, garlic cloves that are exposed to too much shade are more likely to produce green sprouts.
Can Garlic Grow in Indirect Sunlight?
While garlic does need some sunlight to grow, it doesn’t require direct sun all day long. In fact, garlic that’s exposed to too much direct sunlight can become bitter.
If you live in an area with very hot summers, it’s best to plant your garlic in a spot that gets some morning sun but is shaded from the afternoon heat.
You can also provide some protection from the sun by planting your garlic beneath taller crops, such as tomatoes or corn.
Can Garlic Grow in Shade?
It is important to note that garlic will not grow as well in shady areas. The plants will likely produce smaller bulbs, and the flavor of the garlic may be less intense.
If you live in an area with limited sunlight, you can still grow garlic, but you may want to consider planting it in a sunnier spot in your garden.
Can Garlic Get Too Much Sun?
Garlic is hardy and relatively easy to grow, but it does have one major requirement: full sun. Without at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, garlic will not form bulbs.
The plants will still produce leaves and flowers, but the cloves will be small and unsuitable for cooking.
If you live in an area with cool summers or very short days, you may need to supplement your garlic with artificial light to ensure success.
So, while it’s possible for garlic to get too much sun, it’s more likely that your plants will suffer if they don’t get enough.
Does Garlic Prefer Morning or Afternoon Sun?
In general, garlic prefers a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it’s important to note that garlic is a cool-season crop, so it can tolerate some shade.
If your climate is particularly hot and sunny, you may want to plant your garlic in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. This will help to prevent the bulbs from overheating and drying out.
On the other hand, if your climate is on the cooler side, you may find that afternoon sun helps to warm up the soil and promote bulb growth.
Ultimately, it’s best to experiment with different planting locations to see what works best in your particular climate.
Transitioning Garlic From Indoors to Sunlight
If you’ve ever grown garlic indoors, you know how frustrating it can be to get it to transition to sunlight. The process is often long and complicated, but there are a few things you can do to make it go more smoothly.
First, start by acclimating your garlic to the outdoors gradually. Place it in a spot that gets partial sun for a few hours each day, and then increase the amount of time it spends outdoors each day.
Second, make sure the soil you plant it in is loose and well-drained. This will help reduce the risk of root rot, which can be a problem when transitioning garlic from indoors to outdoors.
Finally, don’t forget to water it regularly. Garlic is a thirsty plant, and it will need extra water during the transition period.
What Happens if Garlic Doesn’t Get Enough Sun
Without sufficient sunlight, garlic will not produce the chlorophyll that it needs to perform photosynthesis. This process is essential for the plant to create its own food source.
As a result, garlic that doesn’t get enough sun will be smaller and less flavorful than its well-lit counterparts. In addition, the lack of sunlight can cause the garlic to develop diseases or pests.
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help your garlic get the sun that it needs.
First, plant the garlic in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours per day. If possible, choose a south-facing location.
Also, avoid planting the garlic too close to other plants or structures that could shade it.
And finally, don’t forget to thin out the plants once they start to grow so that each one has enough space to reach for the sun.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your garlic gets the light that it needs to thrive!
Rebekah is a high-school English teacher n New York, where she lives on a 22 acre homestead. She raises and grows chickens, bees, and veggies such as zucchini (among other things).