When to Plant Garlic in Michigan

In a typical Michigan location, plant in fall Sep 21 – Oct 5. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 3 in Cadillac and as late as Oct 6 in Marysville.

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
Detroit	Oct 3 – Oct 17
Grand Rapids	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Warren	Oct 3 – Oct 17
Sterling Heights	Sep 26 – Oct 10
Ann Arbor	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Lansing	Sep 15 – Sep 29
Clinton Township	Sep 26 – Oct 10
Flint	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Dearborn	Sep 27 – Oct 11
Livonia	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Canton	Sep 26 – Oct 10
Troy	Sep 24 – Oct 8
Westland	Sep 29 – Oct 13
Farmington Hills	Sep 19 – Oct 3
Kalamazoo	Sep 20 – Oct 4
Waterford	Sep 22 – Oct 6
Wyoming	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Shelby	Sep 24 – Oct 8
Rochester Hills	Sep 24 – Oct 8
Southfield	Sep 19 – Oct 3
West Bloomfield Township	Sep 22 – Oct 6
Taylor	Sep 29 – Oct 13
Pontiac	Sep 24 – Oct 8
Saint Clair Shores	Sep 24 – Oct 8
Royal Oak	Oct 3 – Oct 17
Novi	Sep 19 – Oct 3
Dearborn Heights	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Battle Creek	Sep 21 – Oct 5
Kentwood	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Redford	Sep 17 – Oct 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant garlic in Michigan?

In a typical Michigan location, plant in fall Sep 21 – Oct 5. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 3 in Cadillac and as late as Oct 6 in Marysville.

When is the last frost in Michigan?

The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan

When to plant garlic in other states