Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.
Want to grow garlic at home?
You can do it with just water!
Here are 9 easy tactics to grow garlic from a single clove.
It’s simple, fun, and fresh. Ready to start your garlic journey?
Let’s go!
Gather Your Supplies
All you need is a garlic clove, some water, and a clear glass or jar. Easy peasy, right?
Make sure the garlic clove is fresh and not too dry. You’ll also want to find a sunny spot near a window for your garlic to hang out.
Pick the Right Clove
Not all garlic cloves are created equal. Choose a plump, healthy-looking clove.
Skip the ones with brown spots, or ones that seem too shriveled. Healthy cloves lead to healthy garlic plants!
Prepare the Clove
Gently peel off the outer skin of the garlic clove. Don’t go overboard, just remove enough to expose the flesh.
This will help the clove sprout more easily. Be careful not to damage the clove while peeling.
Get the Jar Ready
Fill your glass or jar with enough water to cover the bottom. You don’t need much—just enough to touch the roots of the garlic clove.
Keep this water level consistent. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Place the Clove in the Jar
Set the garlic clove in the jar so that the root end is in the water. The pointy end should face up.
Make sure it’s stable and not tipping over. This position helps the roots grow downwards, while the green shoots grow upwards.
Find a Sunny Spot
Garlic loves sunlight, so place your jar on a sunny windowsill. The more light it gets, the faster it will grow.
Your garlic clove will start to sprout roots and shoots in about a week, so be patient and keep an eye on it.
Wait and Watch
Check on your garlic daily. In about 7-10 days, you’ll see roots growing at the bottom and green shoots at the top.
It’s like a little science experiment right in your kitchen! Keep changing the water to avoid any mold or bad smell.
Transplanting Time
Once your garlic clove has a good set of roots and some green shoots, it’s time to move it to soil if you want. Plant it in a pot or directly in your garden.
Make sure the roots are well covered and the green shoots are above the soil.
Take Care and Harvest
Water your garlic regularly and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight. After a few months, you’ll have a fully grown garlic plant.
Harvest when the leaves start to turn brown and dry. Enjoy your homegrown garlic!