We know that many gardeners receive their seed garlic weeks—or even months—before planting time. Whether you're waiting for cooler fall temperatures or simply planning ahead, it's important to store your garlic properly to ensure healthy, vigorous bulbs at planting time.
Best Practices for Storing Garlic Before Planting
Here are our best practices for storing garlic before planting:
1. Unbox Your Garlic Right Away
As soon as your garlic arrives, remove it from the shipping box. Garlic needs airflow to stay fresh. Each variety from Garlic Gods arrives in a breathable mesh bag, clearly labeled for easy identification. The outer packaging can trap heat and moisture.
Hang the mesh bags or place them in a cool, dark, dry space—like a well-ventilated pantry, root cellar, or basement shelf. This will help prevent mold, early sprouting, or deterioration.
2. Don't Store Garlic in the Refrigerator (Unless Vernalizing)
Avoid placing garlic in the fridge unless you're specifically vernalizing your seed garlic. This chilling process is used to trigger bulb development in some climates. Cold, humid environments like refrigerators can stimulate premature sprouting and root growth, which is not ideal unless done with intent.
📝 Want to learn more about vernalization? Read our blog here
3. Keep Garlic Away From Sunlight and Heat
Never store garlic in direct sunlight or in warm areas like near the stove, oven, or windowsill. Heat and light will cause the bulbs to break down faster, reducing their storage life and planting viability. The ideal storage temperature is around 50–60°F with low humidity.
4. Don't Store Garlic with Potatoes
While both garlic and potatoes prefer cool, dark, and dry conditions, they should be stored separately. Garlic releases natural gases that can cause potatoes to sprout and spoil more quickly. To keep both crops at their best, store them in different locations.
Final Tips for Healthy Garlic at Planting Time
- Handle bulbs gently to avoid bruising or clove separation.
- Do not separate the bulbs into cloves until you are ready to plant.
- Keep track of variety names using the tags provided in your order.
- Check periodically for any signs of sprouting.
- Store in mesh bags, paper bags, or baskets—never plastic.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Proper storage of your seed garlic is essential to ensuring healthy growth when planting season arrives. By following these simple steps, you'll be setting your garlic up for a strong start—and a bountiful harvest.
The Benefits of Healthy Garlic
Healthy garlic leads to robust plants. When garlic is stored correctly, it retains its vitality. This results in larger bulbs and better yields. Additionally, well-stored garlic can resist pests and diseases, ensuring a successful gardening experience.
Need to Order Seed Garlic?
See our available seed garlic below. Pre-orders begin each year in April. Shipping starts in September and will continue until sold out.