How to Store Garlic
Garlic stores well when it has been lifted at the right stage and thoroughly cured. Keep only firm heads with intact wrappers and dry roots. Home-grown bulbs have excellent flavour through winter, but bruised, split or thick-necked heads should be used promptly rather than stored.
Best storage conditions
Store cured garlic at 2-10 degrees C in darkness or subdued light, with dry air and steady ventilation. A cool, frost-free shed, garage or porch works well if humidity remains low. Do not refrigerate household quantities, as changing conditions can encourage sprouting after removal. Avoid airtight containers and plastic bags, which trap moisture. Heads should remain dry, loose and protected from hard frost.
How long it keeps
Most well-cured garlic keeps for 4-6 months. Some softneck storage varieties may last longer, while many large hardneck types are best used within 3-5 months. Inspect heads regularly; use any that soften, sprout, split or develop mould before sound ones.
Storage methods
Lift garlic when the lower leaves have browned but several upper leaves remain green. Handle gently and cure whole plants for 2-3 weeks in a sunny, airy spell or beneath a rainproof, well-ventilated cover. Once the skins and stems are dry, brush away soil without washing. Trim stems and roots, or plait suitable softneck stems. Hang plaits or net bags where air can move freely, or arrange heads in a single layer on trays. Keep the store cool, dry and frost-free. Remove damaged heads at once.
Preserving
Peel cloves and freeze them whole, chopped or crushed in small portions for cooking. Dry thin slices at a low temperature until crisp, then store airtight and grind only when needed. Garlic can also be made into chutney or other preserves using a trusted recipe. Do not keep garlic in oil at room temperature; prepare only recipes with reliable storage guidance.
Tips
Save only the plumpest, healthiest heads for storage and keep any marked for replanting separate. Do not wash bulbs, as water can enter the wrappers. If the weather is wet at lifting time, cure them under cover with airflow. A dry stem and firm cloves matter more than bulb size.
Storing Garlic: frequently asked questions
How do I store garlic?
Lift garlic when the lower leaves have browned but several upper leaves remain green.
How long does garlic keep in storage?
Most well-cured garlic keeps for 4-6 months.
What are the best conditions for storing garlic?
Store cured garlic at 2-10 degrees C in darkness or subdued light, with dry air and steady ventilation.
Store only sound, dry produce and check regularly. For bottling and preserving, follow a trusted recipe. Page updated 20 Sep 2026.