Root Vegetable

When to Plant Garlic in Washington

Plant in fall, harvest in summer. Garlic is one of the most rewarding crops for the patient gardener.

The Short Answer

Washington State is one of the best places in America to grow garlic. Both sides of the Cascades produce outstanding crops, though for different reasons. Western Washington's mild, wet winters provide moderate chill and the acidic soils many garlic varieties love. Eastern Washington's cold winters and hot, dry summers create intense-flavored garlic that rivals anything from California's commercial operations. Several small-scale garlic farms in the Skagit Valley and Yakima Valley have gained regional and national recognition.

Washington Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Washington you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Garlic Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 20

Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Central Washington (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Growing Garlic in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Western Washington (Puget Sound): plant hardneck cloves in October. The maritime climate provides gentle but sufficient cold for hardneck bulbing. Western Washington's naturally acidic soils (pH 5.5-6.5) are often in garlic's preferred range without amendment. Drainage is critical in the wet winters — raised beds are strongly recommended in the Puget Sound area's clay soils. Eastern Washington: plant in September through early October before hard freeze. Eastern Washington's volcanic soils with drip irrigation grow exceptional garlic. Stop irrigation 3 weeks before harvest to promote curing. Harvest in late June (eastern WA) through mid-July (western WA).

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Both sides of the Cascades grow excellent hardneck garlic. Music is the standard, but Washington garlic growers have developed particular enthusiasm for Porcelain types (Music, Georgian Crystal) and Purple Stripe types (Chesnok Red, Persian Star). The Skagit Valley climate produces outstanding Rocambole garlic (Spanish Roja, German Red) with complex, nuanced flavors. WSU Extension has conducted limited garlic variety trials — check with local Master Gardeners for Puget Sound-specific recommendations.

Common Challenges in Washington

In western Washington, the wet winter climate creates perfect conditions for white rot and Fusarium — drainage and crop rotation are essential prevention. Rust can appear during wet springs. In eastern Washington, the dry climate dramatically reduces disease pressure, making garlic one of the easiest crops to grow. Gopher damage to garlic bulbs is reported by some eastern Washington growers.

Growing Tips

Plant individual cloves pointy-side up in fall, 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. Mulch heavily. Harvest when lower leaves brown.

Companion Planting

Plant garlic alongside these companions for better growth:

Tomatoes Peppers Lettuce Beets

Keep garlic away from:

Beans Peas

The Bottom Line

Garlic can be grown successfully in Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Garlic Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington Garlic in Alabama Alabama planting dates Garlic in Alaska Alaska planting dates Garlic in Arizona Arizona planting dates Garlic in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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