When to Plant Garlic in California
In a typical California location, plant in fall Nov 20 – Dec 4. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 6 in Big Bear City and as late as Jan 2 in Fallbrook. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Fall-planted crop only; not planted in spring in most climates.
Garlic Planting Dates by City
| City | Fall planting |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Jose | Nov 27 – Dec 11 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fresno | Nov 16 – Nov 30 |
| Sacramento | Nov 18 – Dec 2 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Bakersfield | Nov 10 – Nov 24 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Riverside | Nov 27 – Dec 11 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Stockton | Nov 10 – Nov 24 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fremont | Nov 24 – Dec 8 |
| San Bernardino | Nov 21 – Dec 5 |
| Fontana | Dec 5 – Dec 19 |
| Modesto | Nov 7 – Nov 21 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Moreno Valley | Nov 21 – Dec 5 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Glendale | Nov 28 – Dec 12 |
| Santa Clarita | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Santa Rosa | Nov 3 – Nov 17 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Dec 2 – Dec 16 |
| Ontario | Dec 2 – Dec 16 |
| Elk Grove | Nov 4 – Nov 18 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant garlic in California?
In a typical California location, plant in fall Nov 20 – Dec 4. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 6 in Big Bear City and as late as Jan 2 in Fallbrook. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do garlic take to grow?
Garlic typically take 240–270 days from planting to harvest. Fall-planted crop only; not planted in spring in most climates.
Other Crops in California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant garlic in other states