Last fall you planted garlic and you just can’t wait for spring so you can see your garlic sprouting. The wait has been long. Now, it’s still winter, and the temperatures are still close to zero. Brrrr! But already green shoots are emerging from your garlic bulbs. Yikes! The crocuses aren’t even up yet. And now you’re wondering, “Is it bad if garlic sprouts in winter?”

Does this sound familiar? It’s okay. Don’t panic. You haven’t done anything wrong. In fact, you’ve done everything right! 

Where I live in the Pacific Northwest, our winters are mild enough for our garlic to sprout in winter.

Here’s why it’s okay if your garlic is sprouting in winter, too:

Garlic, like many other bulbous plants, needs a period of cold temperatures. During this time, the cold temperatures signal to the garlic cloves that it’s time to begin growing (isn’t nature amazing?). So, when you see those green shoots pushing through the soil, you’re witnessing nature working in harmony with the seasons.

The cold temperatures help your garlic develop a strong root system. Stronger roots help create healthier and stronger plants. And when the warmer temperatures arrive, your garlic will need strong, healthy roots because it will suddenly grow quickly. 

Will the garlic sprouts be harmed by cold weather? No. The greens are hardy and will likely survive just fine. If you’re worried about them, toss a layer of mulch on your garlic if you haven’t already.

So, when you notice your garlic’s green shoots poking through the winter soil, celebrate your garlic, and celebrate nature. And when it’s time to eat your garlic, you’ll be celebrating the taste of your garlic, too. Because cold temperatures also improve the flavour of garlic.