How to Grow Garlic in Water – is one of the simplest and most effective ways to grow fresh garlic greens at home. You don’t need soil, pots, or a garden—just a few cloves, a glass of water, and some sunlight. In this guide, I’ll explain grow garlic in water step-by-step based on my personal gardening experience.
I have been growing garlic in both soil and water for years, and honestly, growing garlic in water is one of the fastest and cleanest methods. Especially when I need fresh garlic greens in the kitchen, I always start a few cloves in water on my windowsill. This post is based on what has worked for me practically at home, and I’ll guide you clearly through every step.
Table of Contents
What Is Garlic and Why Grow It in Water?
Garlic is a root vegetable known for its strong flavor, medicinal properties, and use in cooking. Traditionally, garlic is grown in soil over a long period to produce full bulbs. But if your goal is to grow green garlic shoots, then water is enough.
Growing garlic in water is:
- Easy to manage indoors
- Perfect for small spaces
- Great for quick results
- Fun for beginners and kids
You won’t get a full garlic bulb, but you will get tasty, fresh garlic greens within a week.
Quick Tips to Grow Garlic in Water
- Use fresh, firm garlic cloves, preferably organic
- Choose a clear glass container like a jar or cup
- Keep the bottom of the clove just touching the water
- Place it in bright indirect sunlight
- Change the water every 2 to 3 days
- Harvest garlic greens after 7 to 10 days
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grow Garlic in Water
Here’s how I personally grow garlic in water at home.
1. Select the Right Garlic Cloves
Start with large, firm garlic cloves. Avoid any that are soft, moldy, or damaged. If the clove already has a green sprout coming out of it, that’s a bonus—it will grow even faster.
If possible, choose organic garlic. Non-organic garlic is often treated with chemicals that prevent sprouting.
2. Prepare Your Container
Use a small glass jar, cup, or bowl. Make sure the container is clean and transparent so you can observe root growth. Do not use metal containers, as they may affect the water quality.
You can grow multiple cloves in a single container if they have space between them.
3. Add Water to the Container
Place the garlic clove with the flat root end facing down. Add enough water to just touch the base of the clove. Do not submerge the whole clove in water, or it will rot.
I usually fill the water just below half an inch. If you’re using a small bowl, you can use a net or toothpicks to support the clove so only the base touches water.
4. Place in a Sunny Spot
Put the container near a bright windowsill or any place that receives indirect sunlight. Garlic needs warmth and light to grow, but harsh direct sunlight can dry the sprouting tips.
Indoor grow lights can also work well if you don’t have enough natural light.
5. Change Water Regularly
This is one of the most important steps. Change the water every 2 to 3 days to prevent bacteria or fungal growth. Use clean, room-temperature water.
If you notice any odor or slime in the container, wash the glass thoroughly before refilling.
6. Monitor the Growth
- After 2 to 3 days, you’ll notice small white roots growing from the base.
- In 5 to 7 days, green shoots will begin to appear from the top.
- In about 10 days, you’ll have 4 to 6 inches of garlic greens ready to harvest.
Garlic grown in water grows fast because it doesn’t need to establish deep roots.
Harvesting Garlic Greens
Garlic grown in water will not develop bulbs, but the green shoots are edible and flavorful. They are milder than garlic cloves and have a fresh, onion-like taste.
To harvest:
- Use clean scissors to cut the green shoots
- Leave at least 1 inch of green above the clove for regrowth
- You can harvest two or three times from one clove
After a few weeks, the clove will stop producing shoots. At that point, discard it and start with a new one.
Benefits of Growing Garlic in Water
- No soil or mess involved
- Ideal for apartments and indoor spaces
- Quick growth and easy harvest
- Great way to reuse sprouted garlic cloves
- A fun experiment for kids and families
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Effect |
|---|---|
| Submerging the whole clove in water | Clove may rot and smell |
| Using dirty water or container | Promotes fungal growth |
| Placing in dark area | Slows down sprouting |
| Using treated or old cloves | May not sprout at all |
Make sure to avoid these simple mistakes to get the best results.
How Long Does Garlic Grow in Water?
- Garlic greens usually grow for about two to three weeks
- You can trim them multiple times
- After a few harvests, the clove loses its energy
- Replace the clove when growth stops
My Experience Growing Garlic in Water
From my gardening journey, I can say growing garlic in water is one of the easiest indoor projects. I keep a few cloves in water year-round to enjoy fresh greens. It’s especially useful during monsoon or winter when soil-based gardening becomes difficult.
I sometimes add one drop of organic liquid fertilizer once a week, which helps boost the growth. But even without it, garlic grows well with just sunlight and clean water.
FAQ – How to Grow Garlic in Water
Can garlic grow fully in water?
No, garlic will not form full bulbs in water. It only produces green shoots.
Is it safe to eat garlic greens grown in water?
Yes, the green shoots are safe, healthy, and edible.
How often should I change the water?
Change the water every 2 to 3 days to keep it clean and avoid rot.
Can I plant water-grown garlic into soil later?
Yes, once roots develop, you can transplant it into soil if you want to grow a full bulbs
Conclusion: Growing Garlic in Water Is Simple and Rewarding
If you want a fast and mess-free way to enjoy garlic at home, growing garlic in water is the answer. It requires very little effort and gives you fresh, healthy greens in just a few days. Whether you are a beginner or a plant lover, this method will surely bring you joy and fresh flavor in the kitchen.
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