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When to Plant Garlic in North Dakota

Garlic is a pungent allium planted in fall and harvested the following summer. Hardneck varieties produce edible flower stalks (scapes) and are more cold-hardy.

North Dakota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Garlic planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Garlic Planting Calendar for North Dakota

Zone 3a ~123 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 15 · First frost: September 15 · 123 day season

Activity When Date Range
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

Growing Tips for North Dakota

Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily with straw. Harvest when lower leaves begin to brown but 5-6 green leaves remain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Garlic in North Dakota?

Planting dates for Garlic in North Dakota depend on your USDA zone. North Dakota spans zones 3a, 3b, 4a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is North Dakota for planting?

North Dakota contains USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.