If you have the same question: When to Plant Garlic in Zone 8, this article will cover all the concepts related to this topic. Let’s find the answer to this question by understanding the climate conditions of Zone 8.
How is the Climate of Zone 8?
Zone 8 covers multiple areas in the U.S., including mild coastal and southern regions, the Pacific Northwest, the south of the United States, northern Europe, parts of East Asia, and temperate coastal regions globally.
This zone experiences a warm to hot summer with an annual minimum temperature of 10 to 20 F (-12 to -6C). Zone 8 offers a medium growing season, so gardeners can grow cool-season and warm-season crops.
Zone 8a Areas Zone 8b Areas
| Zone 8a Areas | Zone 8b Areas |
| Parts of Northern California, USA | Parts of Southern California, USA |
| Western Oregon, USA | Coastal California, USA |
| Western Washington, USA | Central Texas, USA |
| Western North Carolina, USA | Southern Texas, USA |
| Eastern Kentucky, USA | Eastern North Carolina, USA |
| Northern Arkansas, USA | Northern Louisiana, USA |
| Central Oklahoma, USA | Parts of Southern Oklahoma, USA |
| Southern Missouri, USA | Northern Georgia, USA |
| Parts of West Virginia, USA | Coastal Texas, USA |
| Southern New Mexico, USA | Central Alabama, USA |
Which Type of Climate Garlic Prefers?
As your question concerns garlic in zone 8, understanding garlic and its preferred climate is essential for optimal growth. Garlic is about 50 to 60F (10 to 15C temperature) but depends on the variety.
➔Garlic is a cold-hardy plant. Its hard-neck varieties can tolerate extreme cold, making it ideal for colder zones like 1 to 3. It prefers a growing season of about 6 to 8 months, but where to start planting?
➔By the way, the general time is in the fall for planting garlic to give enough time to establish roots before winter.
Please understand that garlic’s growing season should start in the fall, grow in the winter, and be harvested in the spring.
Garlic Varieties are Best for Zone 8?
Basically, there are two main types of garlic;
- Hard-neck Garlic: Ideal Temperature is 32 to 50F (0 to 10C)
- Soft-neck Garlic: Ideal Temperature is 40 to 70F (4C to 24C)
➔ Soft-neck garlic is best suited for zone 8, as it offers a mild climate. Caloforina-Early, California Late, and Inchelium Red are the best choices for soft-neck garlic.
➔ Hard neck is also a good choice and can be appropriately planted in zone 8. Chesnok Red & Purple Stripes are okay for solid flavors and smaller harvests.
➔ ensure an ideal climate for both varieties. If the climate is warm to hot and not perfect for hard-neck garlic, you can put it in the refrigerator at 0 to 4 C.
➔Or, if the climate is too cold for soft-neck garlic, consider planting it indoors and setting artificial light to achieve the ideal temperature.
Ideal Garlic Varieties according to Regional Environment in Zone 8 (a, b)
| Region | Challenges | Recommended Garlic Varieties |
| Southern California (8a/8b) | Coastal fog, mild winters, occasional drought, overwatering risk | Softneck varieties like ‘California Early’ or ‘California Late’ |
| Central & Southern Florida (8b) | High humidity, fungal disease, warm winters, heavy rainfall in summer | Softneck varieties like ‘Artichoke’ or ‘Creole’ |
| Southern Texas (8a/8b) | Hot summers, dry conditions, high soil salinity | Drought-tolerant varieties like ‘Texas White’ |
| Southern Arizona (8b) | Intense sun, dry conditions, risk of frost in winter | Heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Inchelium Red’ |
| Northern Mexico (8a/8b) | Poor soil quality, limited water resources | Hardy varieties like ‘Mexican Red’ or ‘Creole’ |
| Southern Nevada (8a) | Dry, sandy soil, low winter rainfall, occasional frost | Softneck varieties or Creole varieties |
Discover How Environmental Factors Affect Plant Growth
Also, Explore 10 Hidden Reasons Why Your Plants Aren’t Thriving
When to Plant Garlic in Zone 8-A Quick Guide
You will find the same time everywhere to plant garlic: in the fall. But here, we will explore why it is so important to plant it in the fall and what time zone 8 needs.
What’s the Reason to Plant Garlic in the Fall in zone 8?
Planting garlic is still in the fall. So, plant it from late September to early November for the following reasons;
➔Garlic prefers a cold period (vernalization); planting it in the fall gives enough time and a natural chilly winter to establish roots gently in the soil for solid bulb growth.
➔This time also allows for establishing roots before the cold sets in. Then, it will grow in the early spring, making the most of mild temperatures.
➔Fall planting results in garlic being ready to harvest by late spring to early summer (typically June or July in Zone 8), when the weather is warmer and the garlic bulbs are mature.
Garlic Growth Map
Plant Garlic➔ In the Fall (September to November)
Let to Grow➔ In the Winter (December to February)
Give Time to Matuare➔(March-May)
Enjoy Harvest➔ In the Spring (June to July)
How do you plant garlic cloves in the soil for the first time?
If you are a beginner planting garlic for the first time, this section will work for you! Let’s consider the following steps for planting garlic cloves in the soil;
Take a suitable variety of garlic according to your zone. If you are from zone 8, discover garlic varieties.
And start planting garlic, here is the complete general guide to growing garlic whether you are from any zone!
Final Thoughts: Planting Garlic in Zone 8
Understanding the best timing for planting garlic in zone 8 is crucial. First, you need to understand your zone’s climate and garlic requirements. Then, plant your garlic using the proper steps and remember to care for it correctly according to its varieties. If fall has been out, don’t worry! You can plant garlic in late winter to early spring, but remember, the results might not be as optimal as those for fall planting. For every gardener, preventing termite damage is vital—explore how to handle termites in your garden here.
In addition, if you still need clarification about planting garlic in Zone 8, you can comment or contact me. I will share my thoughts and experiences with you freely. For sure, I am dedicated to you! Thank you so much
