When to Plant Garlic in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, plant in fall Sep 19 – Oct 3. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 5 in Spencer and as late as Sep 29 in Keokuk.

Method Direct sow

Days to maturity 240–270 days

Fall-planted crop only; not planted in spring in most climates.

Garlic Planting Dates by City

City	Fall planting
Des Moines	Sep 22 – Oct 6
Cedar Rapids	Sep 14 – Sep 28
Davenport	Sep 24 – Oct 8
Sioux City	Sep 9 – Sep 23
Iowa City	Sep 20 – Oct 4
Waterloo	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Ames	Sep 10 – Sep 24
West Des Moines	Sep 22 – Oct 6
Council Bluffs	Sep 23 – Oct 7
Dubuque	Sep 23 – Oct 7
Ankeny	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Urbandale	Sep 22 – Oct 6
Cedar Falls	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Marion	Sep 14 – Sep 28
Bettendorf	Sep 24 – Oct 8
Marshalltown	Sep 9 – Sep 23
Mason City	Sep 9 – Sep 23
Clinton	Sep 28 – Oct 12
Burlington	Sep 22 – Oct 6
Fort Dodge	Sep 10 – Sep 24
Ottumwa	Sep 16 – Sep 30
Muscatine	Sep 26 – Oct 10
Johnston	Sep 20 – Oct 4
Coralville	Sep 20 – Oct 4
Waukee	Sep 20 – Oct 4
Altoona	Sep 17 – Oct 1
North Liberty	Sep 20 – Oct 4
Indianola	Sep 14 – Sep 28
Clive	Sep 22 – Oct 6
Newton	Sep 19 – Oct 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant garlic in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, plant in fall Sep 19 – Oct 3. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 5 in Spencer and as late as Sep 29 in Keokuk.

When is the last frost in Iowa?

The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa

When to plant garlic in other states