Garlic requires cool and moist period during vegetative growth and a dry spell during maturity of the bulbs. Fertile, well-drained loamy soils are ideal for garlic cultivation. In high ranges of Kerala garlic can be planted during October-November. Cloves or bulbils are used for propagation. The cloves for planting should be stored for 2-3 months after harvest. The cloves should be soaked in water. After drying in shade, cloves can be used for planting. Dig the land thoroughly and prepare beds of 15 cm height at a width of 1 m and of convenient length. The cloves should be dibbled at a spacing of 15 x 8 cm. Germination will start on the fifth day and it will be completed within 10-15 days.

In the initial stages of crop growth frequent irrigations are given to encourage vegetative growth .i.e. once in a week. Irrigation intervals are increased with crop maturity and finally irrigation is with held.