Garlic (Allium sativum L.), a member of the onion family, has been cultivated for thousands of years and is widely used for both its culinary and medicinal attributes. As Americans have become more accustomed to garlic flavor and knowledgeable about the many health benefits of eating garlic, popularity of this crop has increased.
Most garlic in the U.S. is grown in the mild climate of northern California. Varieties adapted to mild climates and then grown in cold climates often do not perform well and usually develop a very "hot" flavor. Garlic is an adaptable species, however, and over thousands of years, varieties have been selected that grow well in cold climates, often with better garlic flavor than the varieties grown in mild climates.
Recent demand for high-quality garlic has prompted an interest in growing garlic for niche markets in the upper Midwest. With wholesale prices of fresh garlic between $2 and $4 per pound, and average yields of 8000 - 10,000 lbs. per acre, the potential for improving farm profitability is significant.
This publication provides guidelines for growing garlic in cold climates. The major areas addressed include variety selection, soils, cultural practices, pest management, harvesting, and storage.
