When to Plant Garlic in South Dakota

In a typical South Dakota location, plant in fall Sep 5 – Sep 19. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 1 in Aberdeen and as late as Sep 15 in Tea.

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
Sioux Falls	Sep 8 – Sep 22
Rapid City	Sep 10 – Sep 24
Aberdeen	Sep 1 – Sep 15
Brookings	Sep 3 – Sep 17
Watertown	Sep 2 – Sep 16
Mitchell	Sep 8 – Sep 22
Yankton	Sep 13 – Sep 27
Pierre	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Huron	Sep 4 – Sep 18
Spearfish	Sep 4 – Sep 18
Vermillion	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Brandon	Sep 8 – Sep 22
Box Elder	Sep 3 – Sep 17
Rapid Valley	Sep 10 – Sep 24
Ellsworth Air Force Base	Sep 3 – Sep 17
Madison	Sep 2 – Sep 16
Sturgis	Sep 5 – Sep 19
Belle Fourche	Sep 2 – Sep 16
Harrisburg	Sep 4 – Sep 18
Tea	Sep 15 – Sep 29

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant garlic in South Dakota?

In a typical South Dakota location, plant in fall Sep 5 – Sep 19. Across the state, the fall planting window starts as early as Sep 1 in Aberdeen and as late as Sep 15 in Tea.

When is the last frost in South Dakota?

The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota

When to plant garlic in other states