When to plant garlic 🧄
Garlic takes 240–270 days to mature, spaced 6" apart at 2" deep. Direct-sow only — does not transplant well.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | October 26 – November 23 | January 18 – February 15 |
| Zone 4 | October 16 – November 13 | January 8 – February 5 |
| Zone 5 | October 2 – October 30 | December 25 – January 22 |
| Zone 6 | September 16 – October 14 | December 9 – January 6 |
| Zone 7 | September 2 – September 30 | November 25 – December 23 |
| Zone 8 | August 16 – September 13 | November 8 – December 6 |
| Zone 9 | July 18 – August 15 | October 10 – November 7 |
| Zone 10 | July 2 – July 30 | September 24 – October 22 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized garlic planting dates
Care tips
- Plant cloves in fall, point-up, 2 in. deep.
- Mulch heavily for winter protection.
- Cut scapes in early summer for bigger bulbs.
Good companions
Tomato, Beet, Lettuce.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I plant garlic outdoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, direct sow garlic between October 2 and October 30, relative to the average last spring frost on May 1.
When should I plant garlic outdoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, direct sow garlic between September 16 and October 14, relative to the average last spring frost on April 15.
When should I plant garlic outdoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, direct sow garlic between September 2 and September 30, relative to the average last spring frost on April 1.
When should I plant garlic outdoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, direct sow garlic between August 16 and September 13, relative to the average last spring frost on March 15.
How long does garlic take to grow?▾
Garlic typically takes 240–270 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 34–38 weeks after the last spring frost.