Knowing the right time to plant garlic is key to a successful harvest. While this root crop depends on cooler temperatures to grow and thrive, the ideal planting time will depend on your gardening zone. For example, the best time to plant garlic in zone 7 is typically in mid-October, while gardeners in zone 10 may be able to wait until December. No matter where you live, the temperature of your soil is the most important thing to keep in mind when planting garlic. Here, gardening experts share when to plant garlic—and what happens if you get it in the ground too late or too early. 

When to Plant Garlic

Garlic is best planted in late fall, typically between mid-October and early November, but it can be planted even later in warmer zones. The ideal soil temperature for planting is 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. “Garlic overwinters in garden beds or containers and can withstand freezing temperatures and snow,” says Adam Weiss, gardener and founder of Pike Lane Gardens. This cold period is essential for proper bulb development, leading to bigger cloves.

However, some garlic varieties can tolerate being planted in early spring. “If you’re planting in spring, you can simulate cold exposure by storing the cloves in paper bags in the fridge for a few weeks,” says Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert at Plantum. This process helps the bulbs develop properly. “Once the garlic has been exposed to colder temperatures, you can plant it in spring,” she says.

What Happens If You Plant Garlic Too Early? 

Planting garlic too early can cause problems. “It will cause the bulb to germinate prematurely, develop taller shoots, and have a harder time during the freezing temperatures,” Weiss says. Moreover, if green shoots appear in the fall, they become vulnerable to frost, which can slow growth or shrink the bulbs, says Omelchenko. “The plant may survive, but in spring, it will have to use extra energy to recover, resulting in a smaller harvest.” Also, too much leafy growth too early can negatively impact root development. These issues will result in a smaller and weaker garlic crop.

What Happens If You Plant Garlic Too Late? 

Planting garlic too late, when the ground has already started freezing, can cause significant issues. “Cloves that don’t have enough time to establish a strong root system before winter dormancy may struggle to survive,” says Omelchenko. Without well-developed roots to anchor them, the garlic might get pushed out of the soil and freeze in the cold. “Even if the cloves remain in the ground, weak root development will slow their growth in spring,” she adds. The weakened plant will likely focus on rebuilding its root system rather than growing leaves and forming bulbs—meaning it won’t be able to be harvested during the right time.

Tips for Planting Garlic

Follow these expert-approved tips for the best garlic harvest, whether you’re growing the plant indoors or outside.

Use High-Quality Cloves

Choose large, firm, and healthy garlic cloves for planting. “Avoid shriveled, soft, moldy, or rotting ones,” says Omelchenko. Doing this will ensure your garlic crop gets off to a great start. 

Prepare the Soil 

Garlic thrives in loose, well-draining, fertile soil. “Before planting, add compost for organic matter and, if the soil is heavy, mix in coarse sand to improve drainage,” says Omelchenko. She also suggests not planting garlic where water collects after rain or melting snow. This is because the garlic could rot in the ground. 

Choose the Right Type of Garlic

There are two main garlic types: hardneck and softneck. “Unless you are on the West Coast, plant a hardneck garlic variety,” says Weiss. There are over 1,200 types of hardneck garlic to choose from with different flavor profiles, spiciness, heat, and size, he adds. “Meanwhile, softneck garlic thrives in the warmer temperatures and is predominately grown in California.”

Plant Cloves Tip Facing Up

Plant cloves with their tips up so the green shoots can reach the soil’s surface. Separate the cloves from the bulb and remove the dry outer skin, notes Omelchenko. Each bulb should be planted 2 inches deep and spaced about 6 inches apart, says Sara Rubens, certified garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary. 

How to Care for Garlic After Planting

After planting garlic, follow these key pieces of advice to help it thrive.

Add Mulch

One of the most important things to do after planting garlic is to apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch using straw, coconut husk, or conifer branches, says Omelchenko. “Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and prevent cloves from being pushed out of the soil after defrosting,” she says. You can remove the mulch in early spring once shoots emerge.

Water Deeply

Don’t forget to water the area where you planted the garlic. “During active growth, garlic needs regular watering, especially during bulb formation from late spring to early summer,” says Omelchenko. But avoid overwatering, as this could lead to root rot and soggy soil, potentially drowning the plant.

Prevent Diseases

Lastly, while garlic is fairly resistant to pests, it can suffer from fungal diseases. These include white rot, gray mold, or rust, especially in damp conditions, says Omelchenko. Choosing the right garlic companion plants can help. “If you notice any diseased plants, remove them immediately to prevent the spread.”