Delaware may be the second smallest state in the country, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to garlic growing. Stretching from the rolling hills of the Piedmont in the north to the flat coastal plains of the south, Delaware offers a range of conditions that suit both hardneck and softneck varieties. With the right timing and variety selection, Delaware gardeners can grow outstanding garlic in some of the Mid-Atlantic's most productive soil.
Delaware's Garlic Growing Zones
- Northern Delaware (Wilmington, Newark, Pike Creek): Zones 6b–7a. Moderate winters with occasional hard freezes — hardneck and softneck varieties both perform well here.
- Central Delaware (Dover, Smyrna, Middletown): Zones 7a–7b. Mild winters — softneck varieties are most reliable; hardnecks viable in cooler spots.
- Southern Delaware and the Beaches (Lewes, Rehoboth, Seaford, Laurel): Zones 7a–7b. Mild, maritime-influenced winters — softneck varieties perform best here.
When to Plant Garlic in Delaware
- Northern Delaware (zones 6b–7a): October 10–November 5
- Central Delaware (zones 7a–7b): October 15–November 10
- Southern Delaware and the Beaches (zones 7a–7b): October 15–November 15
Plant when soil temperatures drop to 60–65°F. Delaware's falls can stay warm well into October, especially in the south and along the coast. The goal is to get roots established before the ground freezes, with just a little green top growth emerging before winter sets in.
The Best Garlic for Delaware
Northern Delaware's colder winters make it excellent hardneck territory, while Central and Southern Delaware favor reliable softneck varieties. Most Delaware gardeners will find softnecks the safest bet statewide, with hardnecks a rewarding option in the north.
Hardneck Varieties (Northern Delaware, zones 3–8)
- German Red — Rocambole hardneck, zones 3–8, widely regarded as one of the best-tasting hardneck varieties available. Rich, complex, and deeply savory with a classic garlic flavor that shines raw or roasted. Rocamboles love cold winters and Northern Delaware's Piedmont region is ideal for this variety.
- Russian Red — Marbled Purple Stripe hardneck, zones 3–8, rich and full-flavored with beautiful deep purple marbling on the wrappers. One of the most cold-hardy varieties we carry — a true heirloom with exceptional character and a reliable performer in Northern Delaware.
- Chesnok Red — Purple Stripe hardneck, zones 3–8, prized by chefs for its exceptional roasting qualities — the cloves hold their shape and develop a rich, sweet, complex flavor when roasted. Beautiful deep purple striping on the wrappers and a reliable producer in Northern Delaware's colder winters.
Softneck Varieties (Reliable Statewide)
- Inchelium Red — Artichoke softneck, zones 5–10, taste-test champion with very large bulbs. A dependable performer across all of Delaware and an excellent choice for Central and Southern Delaware.
- Garcua — Artichoke softneck, mild and versatile with excellent storage. A dependable choice statewide and particularly well-suited to Delaware's coastal southern regions.
- Castano — Artichoke softneck, rich and savory flavor, reliable producer in a wide range of climates. A solid performer across all of Delaware.
How to Plant Garlic in Delaware
- Prepare your bed: Delaware soils range from the rich, loamy Piedmont soils of the north (excellent for garlic) to the sandy coastal plain soils of Central and Southern Delaware. Sandy soils benefit greatly from generous compost additions to improve water and nutrient retention.
- Break your bulbs: Separate cloves just before planting. The largest cloves produce the largest bulbs.
- Plant depth and spacing: 2 inches deep, pointed end up, 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
- Mulch well: Northern Delaware winters can bring hard freezes. A 4–6 inch layer of straw mulch after planting protects roots through winter and moderates soil temperature.
- Spring care: Remove mulch gradually as temperatures warm in March. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when you see green growth. Stop fertilizing by mid-April to shift energy to bulb development.
Common Garlic Mistakes in Delaware
- Planting too early: Delaware's October soil is often still warm, especially in the south. Wait for consistent soil temperatures at or below 65°F before planting.
- Poor drainage in sandy soils: Southern Delaware's sandy soils drain quickly but can also dry out fast. Amend generously with compost and consider drip irrigation during dry spring spells.
- Planting hardnecks in Southern Delaware: The mild winters of Lewes and Rehoboth don't provide enough cold for hardneck varieties to perform reliably. Stick to softnecks in the south.
A Note on Allium Leafminer
Delaware is in the confirmed range of the Allium Leafminer (Phytomyza gymnostoma), an invasive fly that damages garlic and other alliums. The pest has two active flight windows — September through November and March through May — and can cause significant foliage and bulb damage if left unmanaged.
The single most effective defense is simple: plant after your first hard frost (late October to November) to avoid the fall flight window. Row covers applied in early March and removed in late May protect plants during the spring flight.
When to Harvest Garlic in Delaware
- Central and Southern Delaware (zones 7a–7b): Late June to early July
- Northern Delaware (zones 6b–7a): Late June to early July
Harvest when about half the leaves have browned and half are still green. Delaware's summer heat and humidity build quickly in June — don't wait too long once browning begins.
💡 Pro tip: Always dig a test bulb first! Before pulling your entire crop, dig one bulb and inspect it. The cloves should be plump and well-formed, filling out the wrapper. If they look small or the skin is very tight, give it another week.
Curing and Storing Delaware Garlic
Delaware's summer humidity — especially along the coast — makes curing conditions challenging. Move harvested garlic immediately to a well-ventilated, shaded space with excellent airflow. A garage or barn with a fan works well. Cure for 3–4 weeks before trimming and storing. Hardneck varieties store 4–6 months; softneck varieties store 9–12 months.
Ready to Grow Delaware Garlic?
Our seed begins shipping in September — perfectly timed for Delaware's fall planting window. Whether you're gardening in the Wilmington Piedmont or the Sussex County coastal plain, we have the right variety for your zone.
- Shop Hardneck Seed Garlic → — German Red, Russian Red, and Chesnok Red for Northern Delaware
- Shop Softneck Seed Garlic → — Inchelium Red, Garcua, and Castano — excellent choices statewide