Garlic Storage

STORAGE (Quoted or modified from USDA Ag. Handbook 66 and other sources)

Garlic for seed purposes should not be stored under refrigeration. Optimum storage temperature for garlic for seed is 50 F with a humidity of 65-70%. Garlic cloves sprout most rapidly between 40 to 50 F, hence prolonged storage at this temperature range should be avoided. Storage of planting stock at temperatures below 40 F result in rough bulbs, side-shoot sprouting (witches-brooming) and early maturity, while storage above 65 F results in delayed sprouting and late maturity.

Store other garlic at 32 F and 65 to 70 % relative humidity. If in good condition, and well cured when stored, garlic should keep for 6 to 7 months at 32 F. Relative humidity should be lower than for most vegetables because high humidity causes root and mold growth. In California, where considerable garlic is grown, it is frequently put in common storage, where it can be held for 3 to 4 months or sometimes longer if the building can be kept cool, dry, and well ventilated.