Home › Garlic › Grow in California

Can You Grow Garlic in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Garlic grows very well here — plant in fall and harvest the following summer.

Plant zones

3a–9b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

240–270 days

When to plant Garlic in California

Direct sow

Oct 1 – Oct 31

Harvest

Jun – Jul (following year)

Dates are approximate, based on California's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Garlic

Garlic is planted in fall and harvested the following summer — one of the most rewarding low-effort crops.

Plant cloves in fall (October) pointy-end up 5cm deep 15cm apart. Mulch for winter. Harvest when lower leaves brown. Cure in a warm dry place for 2-3 weeks for long storage.

Full garlic growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.

See what grows well in California →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Garlic in California?

Garlic grows very well here — plant in fall and harvest the following summer.

What zone is California?

California spans USDA Zone 9b (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).

When do you plant Garlic in California?

Plant Garlic Oct 1 – Oct 31, harvest Jun – Jul (following year).