Garlic: Fall vs Spring Planting - Frequently Asked Questions

• Reduced risk of winter injury and plant survival
• No over-wintering required

• Bulbs must be chilled to break dormancy prior to planting
• Poor spring conditions can delay planting, resulting in delayed plant development, poor bulbing and reduced yields
• Some storage losses can occur

• Bulb dormancy is overcome by cold winter temperatures
• No spring-planting delays
• Plant growth commences early in spring
• Potential for higher yields and larger bulb sizes

• Delayed fall planting can result in reduced clove survival due to winterkill
• Winter protection is required if snowfall is not sufficient

• Planting date is determined by the average date of the first fall frost
• Delayed planting will reduce winter survival
• Winter protection:
  • Cover with straw if snow cover is thin, winter thaws occur or if wind protection is not adequate
  • A minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) of snow is required for winter protection