When to Plant Garlic in Nebraska

In a typical Nebraska location, plant in fall Sep 17 – Oct 1. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 5 in Scottsbluff and as late as Sep 23 in Elkhorn.

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
Omaha	Sep 23 – Oct 7
Lincoln	Sep 15 – Sep 29
Bellevue	Sep 21 – Oct 5
Grand Island	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Kearney	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Fremont	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Hastings	Sep 18 – Oct 2
Norfolk	Sep 7 – Sep 21
North Platte	Sep 12 – Sep 26
Columbus	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Papillion	Sep 21 – Oct 5
La Vista	Sep 21 – Oct 5
Scottsbluff	Sep 5 – Sep 19
South Sioux City	Sep 9 – Sep 23
Beatrice	Sep 17 – Oct 1
Chalco	Sep 20 – Oct 4
Lexington	Sep 15 – Sep 29
Alliance	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Gering	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Elkhorn	Sep 23 – Oct 7

Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant garlic in Nebraska?

In a typical Nebraska location, plant in fall Sep 17 – Oct 1. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 5 in Scottsbluff and as late as Sep 23 in Elkhorn.

When is the last frost in Nebraska?

The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska

When to plant garlic in other states