Alaska Garlic Orders open August 2026
Planting and growing garlic in Alaska:
The ideal time to plant hardneck garlic in Alaska is in the fall, around mid September for Fairbanks, late September for Southcentral, or early October for the Southeast- before the ground freezes. Choose healthy, large cloves from your bulbs for the best results. Plant each clove about 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up, spaced six inches apart. Hardneck garlic needs rich, well-drained soil, so work in some compost to give it a nutrient boost. Mulching with straw or leaves is essential for protecting the cloves over the harsh Alaskan winter, helping insulate them against freezing temperatures.
Growing in Alaska’s Climate
As winter fades and temperatures rise in spring, green shoots will emerge. Garlic is a fairly low-maintenance crop but requires regular watering, especially in Alaska’s dry spring and summer months. Be sure to water when the soil dries out, but avoid waterlogging as garlic doesn’t thrive in overly wet conditions. Hardneck varieties produce scapes—long, curly flower stalks that you should cut off once they appear to encourage bulb growth. The scapes are edible and add a mild garlic flavor to dishes, so they’re a bonus harvest!
Curing Your Garlic
By mid to late summer, the garlic leaves will start to brown, indicating it’s time to harvest. Carefully lift the bulbs from the ground and gently brush off the dirt. Hang the garlic bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated space for two to four weeks to cure. Once fully dry, they can be stored in a cool, dry location for several months.
With Alaska’s cool climate, hardneck garlic is a rewarding and flavorful addition to your garden. Happy growing!
Our Garlic Guarantee
Growing garlic successfully depends on many factors most of which are beyond any seed supplier’s control. Weather, soil conditions, planting times, storage, care, fertility, and overall garden management all play a role in the final harvest. We take great pride in offering high-quality seed garlic and carefully inspect each order before it leaves our farm. Many of our customers grow with us year after year, and we’re always happy to hear their success stories from gardens across Alaska. If you are not satisfied with the condition or quality of your garlic when it arrives, please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order and before planting. We’re happy to offer a refund or replacement if stock is available. Due to the nature of growing and the many variables involved after planting, we are unable to offer refunds or replacements once the garlic has been planted. We appreciate your understanding and are always here to answer questions or offer planting advice to help you have the best season possible.
FAQs
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When should I plant garlic in Alaska?
Plant hardneck garlic 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes, usually mid-September to early October, so roots establish before winter. -
What type of garlic grows best in Alaska?
Hardneck varieties like Music, Chesnok Red, and German Extra Hardy perform best in cold soils and overwinter reliably. -
How do I protect garlic from winter cold?
After planting, mulch with 4–6 inches of straw or shredded leaves to insulate against deep frost and spring temperature swings. -
When is garlic ready to harvest in Alaska?
Most hardneck types mature in early to mid-August -when the lower leaves begin to yellow but 4–5 green leaves remain. Another cue is roughly 4 weeks after scape removal. -
Can I eat the garlic after harvesting?
Yes! Nothing tastes as fresh!
For garden tips: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/category/alaska-gardening/