Garlic sprouts

Garlic Planting Calendar by Zone (Month-by-Month Guide)

ByStephen Albert

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Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow—once you know when to plant it. Timing is everything. Plant too early, and cloves may sprout before winter. Plant too late, and roots won’t have enough time to establish. The right timing depends on your USDA hardiness zone.

I’ve grown garlic for more than 30 years in different climates, from California’s Central Valley to Sonoma Valley. My experience matches what research and local extension services recommend: garlic thrives when planted according to local frost patterns.

Here’s a zone-by-zone guide to help you plan with confidence.

General Rule of Thumb

  • Fall planting (recommended): Plant 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes.
  • Spring planting: In very cold regions, or if you miss fall, plant as soon as soil can be worked.

Garlic Planting Calendar by USDA Zone

Zones 2–3 (Very Cold Climates)

  • Best time: Late September to early October.
  • Tip: Choose hardy hardneck types; mulch deeply to protect cloves from severe winters.

Zones 4–5 (Cold Winters)

  • Best time: Mid-October to early November.
  • Tip: Garlic planted now will root before frost, then stay dormant until spring.

Zones 6–7 (Cool, Moderate Winters)

  • Best time: Mid-October to late November.
  • Tip: Both hardneck and softneck garlic perform well here. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature.

Zone 8 (Mild Winters)

  • Best time: Late October through December.
  • Tip: Choose softneck types; fall planting ensures strong growth before warm spring weather.

Zone 9 (Warm Winters)

  • Best time: November through January.
  • Tip: Vernalize (chill) cloves in the fridge for 6–8 weeks before planting to mimic cold exposure.

Zone 10 (Very Warm Winters)

  • Best time: December through January.
  • Tip: Refrigerate cloves before planting. Stick with softneck types, which are more heat-tolerant.

Zone 11 (Tropical/Subtropical)

  • Best time: January through February, or plant as a short-season spring crop.
  • Tip: Garlic struggles in high heat and humidity; try elephant garlic for better success.

My Gardener’s Note

In my zone (9b, Sonoma Valley), I plant in late November. I pre-chill cloves in the fridge to ensure proper bulb development. Mulching with straw keeps soil cool and moist through winter.

Quick Calendar Recap

ZonePlanting MonthsNotes
2–3Sept–OctMulch heavily, plant hardy hardnecks
4–5Oct–NovRoots before frost, dormancy over winter
6–7Oct–NovIdeal for both hardneck & softneck
8Oct–DecFall planting ensures strong growth
9Nov–JanVernalize cloves before planting
10Dec–JanChill cloves, plant softneck types
11Jan–FebTry elephant garlic, short-season crop

🌱 With this calendar, you’ll know exactly when to plant garlic in your region for strong growth and bigger bulbs at harvest.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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