Item Number: FP525
Organic German White Garlic (lb)
Great Garlic for Roasting
A distinctive, moderately spicy flavor sets this garlic apart from the rest.
- Porcelain Hardneck Garlic
- Plump cloves on paper-white bulbs, this is a great roasting variety, and stores well into the cold winter months.
- Typically 4-6 cloves per bulb
- 2" and larger diameter bulbs
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: German White garlic is prized for its strong, robust flavor with a classic garlic heat. As a Porcelain hardneck variety, it delivers a pungent and intense taste when raw, perfect for dishes that need a bold garlic presence. When roasted, its flavor mellows into a rich, buttery sweetness, making it versatile for both raw and cooked culinary applications—from hearty meat dishes to smooth spreads.
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Aroma Profile: This garlic variety releases a potent, classic garlic aroma when crushed or minced. Its scent becomes richer and more savory as it cooks, contributing a deep aromatic base to sauces, soups, and roasted dishes. The raw aroma is sharp and invigorating, making it ideal for fresh preparations like garlic butter and vinaigrettes.
Understanding the Rich Characteristics and Cultivation of German White Garlic
German White garlic, also known as German Extra-Hardy, is a highly esteemed hardneck garlic variety celebrated for its robust flavor, vigorous growth, and excellent storage capabilities. This garlic is particularly well-suited to colder climates, making it a popular choice among gardeners looking for a reliable and flavorful garlic variety that can withstand harsh winters.
Characteristics of German White Garlic
This garlic is known for its large bulbs and cloves. Typically, each bulb contains 4-6 large cloves, which are encased in white to off-white skins, contributing to its clean and appealing appearance. The cloves themselves are easy to peel, making them convenient for culinary use.
One of the standout features of this garlic is its strong, pungent flavor. This variety offers a rich, spicy taste that is ideal for those who appreciate a bold garlic presence in their dishes. The robust flavor profile makes it a favorite among chefs and home cooks who seek to elevate their culinary creations with a pronounced garlic essence.
Growing German White Garlic
Growing this type of garlic requires attention to specific cultivation practices to ensure a successful harvest. Here are some essential tips for cultivating this hardy variety:
- Soil Preparation: It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Ensure the soil is amended with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance its nutrient content. The ideal pH for garlic is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Spacing and Depth: Plant the cloves 6-8 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Place each clove with the pointed end up and cover it with about 2 inches of soil. Proper spacing is essential to allow the bulbs to develop fully without competition for nutrients and space.
- Mulching: Apply a generous layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Mulching also provides protection during the winter months and helps maintain soil temperature and moisture levels.
- Watering: This garlic requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s crucial to maintain a balance.
- Fertilization: Feed the garlic with a balanced fertilizer or organic amendments in the early stages of growth. Additional side dressing with compost or a high-nitrogen fertilizer can promote healthy foliage and bulb development.
Harvesting
It is typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer, depending on the planting time and growing conditions. Harvest when the lower leaves start to brown and dry, leaving a few green leaves at the top. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil and allow them to cure in a shaded, well-ventilated area for about two weeks. Proper curing enhances the garlic's storage life and flavor.
Culinary Uses
The strong, pungent flavor of this garlic makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its cloves can be used raw in robust salads, dressings, and salsas, or cooked in a variety of dishes, including roasts, soups, and sauces. This garlic variety also roasts beautifully, developing a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances a wide range of culinary creations.
It is a highly valued garlic variety that offers numerous benefits to gardeners and cooks alike. Its robust flavor, vigorous growth, and excellent storage capabilities make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to cultivate garlic. By following proper planting, growing this garlic, and harvesting techniques, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this flavorful and resilient garlic variety year after year.
Planting Time
It is typically planted in the fall for a summer harvest, similar to other hardneck garlic varieties. Planting in the fall allows the cloves to establish roots before winter sets in, leading to healthier plants and larger bulbs.
Scaping
Hardneck garlic varieties like this garlic produce scapes, curly flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. While the scapes are edible and delicious, their removal redirects energy to bulb development, resulting in larger cloves. Harvest scapes when they curl once or twice and use them in culinary dishes like pesto or stir-fries.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
After harvesting in early spring, allow the green leaves of German White Garlic to dry completely and turn brown to ensure the bulbs are fully cured. Hang the hardneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to maintain their clean, sharp flavor and nutritional value. It is known for its strong heat and long storage life, is perfect for both raw use and roasting, lasting several months in proper conditions.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To extend the shelf life of this garlic, harvest when the leaves have browned and the bulbs are well-developed. Cure them in a dry, airy place to lock in their robust flavor and natural goodness. Valued for its punchy, classic garlic taste, it shines in raw applications, roasted dishes, and hearty sauces, staying flavorful over time.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Freezing garlic after it's been cured is a great way to keep it fresh and flavorful for a longer time. You can freeze it as whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or unpeeled), or minced—whatever works best for how you plan to use it. While it's possible to freeze freshly harvested garlic that hasn't been cured, it's not usually recommended. The higher moisture can make it mushy after thawing, and the flavor might not be as strong.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like German White Garlic, carefully cultivated by experienced growers to ensure excellent germination and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, this Porcelain variety is best planted in the fall for optimal yield, and it adapts well to cold climates with its strong overwintering ability. Place your order today to browse our selection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties—ideal for cultivating a flavorful and productive garden.
For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center. Our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips with everything you need to successfully grow garlic bulbs.
** For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center and try out our Garlic Selector Tool to find the perfect garlic for your growing zone and tastes. Or check out all of our Garlic Learning Blogs where our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips to help you learn how to successfully grow garlic bulbs.**
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Our Guarantee To You
Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, ID, PR, GU, VI
Shipping Weight: 1.1 lb
Dimensions: 5.0"L x 3.0"W x 3.0"H
Features
Features
- Bulb
- Container Compatible
- Easy to Peel Cloves
- Good Keeper
- Hardneck
- Spicy Flavor
- Suited to Cold Climates
- WSDA Certified Organic
Characteristics
Characteristics
Use Instructions
Use Instructions
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Seed Garlic Guarantee (When Planted by November 15th)
Claim Deadline is 45 Days from Purchase or Delivery. (Claims placed after December 31st will be denied.)
What We Guarantee
Our only guarantee is that the seed garlic we sell will germinate, provided you follow the steps listed in our Garlic Planting & Growing Guide. This guarantee is only available to customers who purchase their seed garlic directly from us.
What We Cannot Guarantee
We cannot guarantee that your garlic will remain alive & healthy, or sizes up properly, as there are too many variables beyond our control to be able to do so (i.e. soil preparation, fertilization, weed and pest control, temperature control, irrigation, etc).
How to Request a Credit
If you encounter a significant lack of germination of your garlic (over 50%), please contact us within 45 days of delivery. If we determine that your garlic had a significant lack of germination, we will issue you a credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of your garlic (excluding shipping).* This 45-day time frame is meant to allow you up to 2 weeks to plant your garlic, and up to 4 weeks to check for signs of growth.
(*) We reserve the right to not issue credit for items already replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence of the lack of germination of your garlic.
