1. Germination stage: From the sowing of garlic to the emergence and expansion of the first leaves, which usually takes 7 to 30 days. During this period, garlic undergoes growth and differentiation of new leaves.

2. Seedling stage: Following the germination stage, garlic enters the seedling stage. During this stage, flower buds and scale buds begin to differentiate, the first true leaf unfolds, the leaf area gradually increases, and the root system also transitions from vertical growth to horizontal growth, with an increase in lateral roots and enhanced absorption capacity.

3. Scale bud and flower bud differentiation stage: After the completion of differentiation of flower buds and scale buds, a crucial period of further differentiation begins, which lasts approximately 15 to 35 days, and sometimes even up to more than 100 days. This stage is crucial for the growth and development of garlic, and a slower differentiation process can lead to premature senescence of leaves.

4. Stem elongation stage: After the differentiation of scale buds and flower buds is completed, the garlic sprouts gradually elongate, and at the same time, the scale buds also undergo enlargement.

5. Bulb expansion stage: As the garlic sprouts elongate, nutrients are transferred to the bulb, and the garlic cloves at the bottom begin to significantly expand.

6. Physiological dormancy period: After the bulb has fully developed and matured, the plant gradually withers, and the above-ground parts turn yellow. Subsequently, garlic enters a physiological dormancy period lasting for more than two months. Upon the end of the dormancy period, garlic is fully matured.