Garlic is a cold-season crop that prefers cooler temperatures. It is typically grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, although it can be successfully grown in some parts of zone 9 as well. Here are examples of U.S. states in each growing zone where garlic can be grown:

Zone 3: Includes parts of:

• Montana
• North Dakota
• Minnesota

Zone 4: Some states in this zone are:

• Wisconsin
• Michigan
• Maine

Zone 5: Some states in this zone are:

• Illinois
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania

Zone 6: Some states in this zone are:

• Virginia
• Tennessee
• Missouri

Zone 7: Some states in this zone are:

• North Carolina
• Georgia
• Arkansas

Zone 8: Some states in this zone are:

• Texas
• Louisiana
• Northern parts of Florida

Garlic requires a period of cold temperatures to properly develop bulbs, so it’s well-suited to cooler climates.

Growing garlic indoors is technically possible, however, it’s not very practical due to the specific growth requirements of garlic. Garlic bulbs need a period of cold dormancy to properly form cloves and develop their characteristic flavors. Attempting to grow garlic indoors might not yield the same quality of bulbs as outdoor cultivation.

However, you can still start garlic indoors in containers and then transplant the growing plants outdoors when the weather is suitable. This approach can help you get a head start on the growing season, especially in colder climates where the growing season is shorter. But for a successful garlic harvest with robust bulbs, the final growth and bulb formation should take place outdoors. 

Check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and find out what zone your zip code is located in here. Or you can use our map to get a general idea of what your plant hardiness zone is.