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Can You Grow Garlic in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

240–270 days

When to plant Garlic in Illinois

Direct sow

Oct 1 – Oct 31

Harvest

Jun – Jul (following year)

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois'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 Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.