Item Number: FP575
Spanish Roja Garlic (Lb)
A Gourmet Best-Seller!
Spanish Roja Garlic is a renowned Rocambole hardneck variety cherished for its bold, complex flavor and historical significance. With rich brownish-red cloves wrapped in streaked outer skins ranging from cream to deep purple, each bulb contains 8–12 easy-to-peel cloves. This heirloom garlic offers a rich, spicy kick balanced by subtle sweetness—perfect for everything from raw salsas to slow-roasted entrées.
This variety thrives in cooler climates and is traditionally fall-planted, maturing by midsummer. Spanish Roja Garlic is known for its dependable yields, graceful growth habit, and large bulb size—typically over 2 inches in diameter. Gardeners appreciate its straightforward cultivation and culinary versatility, making it a staple among serious garlic growers and gourmet chefs.
Spanish Roja Garlic is a favorite for its outstanding flavor and reliable storage qualities. Whether you're growing it for your kitchen, your market stand, or your pantry, this variety delivers an unmatched garlic experience. From planting to plate, expect richly aromatic bulbs and impressive harvests from this beloved heirloom variety.
- Rocambole Hardneck Garlic.
- Bold, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness—great raw or cooked.
- Hardneck type with streaked cream-to-purple outer wrappers.
- 8–12 large, brownish-red easy-to-peel cloves per bulb.
- Bulbs average 2" and larger; approximately 6–8 bulbs per pound.
- Cold-hardy and well-suited for fall planting in cooler zones.
- Performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: This garlic delivers a classic, rich garlic flavor with spicy depth and subtle sweet undertones. It shines when roasted or sautéed, adding bold intensity to sauces, marinades, and roasted dishes. The heat mellows with cooking, leaving behind a warm, savory richness that elevates any recipe.
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Aroma Profile: Spanish Roja Garlic offers a powerful, earthy fragrance with hints of spice. Crushed or chopped, the cloves release a robust aroma that intensifies as it cooks. Its strong, enticing scent adds depth to everything from salad dressings to hearty stews, making it a standout in the kitchen.
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.
Read our blog about The Differences Between Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic to learn more.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
Once harvested in early to midsummer, allow the green stalks to completely dry and turn brown to ensure the garlic is fully cured. For best results, hang the hardneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and airy location to promote proper curing and preserve their bold flavor and nutrients. This type of garlic keeps well for several months, making it an excellent choice for both fresh and roasted dishes.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To extend the shelf life of this garlic, harvest when the foliage has fully browned and the bulbs have reached maturity. Cure them in a dry, breezy location to retain their aromatic flavor and beneficial compounds. With its smooth texture and well-balanced taste, this garlic variety enhances everything from sauces to roasted vegetables, while holding its freshness in long-term storage.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Freezing garlic after it has been properly cured is an effective way to extend its shelf life while maintaining its rich flavor and quality. Depending on your future use, you can freeze it in several forms—whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or with skins), or even minced. Although it’s possible to freeze garlic right after harvest without curing, it’s usually not advised. High moisture levels in uncured garlic can cause a soft or mushy texture once thawed, and the flavor may not be as robust.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like Spanish Roja Garlic, a beloved Rocambole heirloom cultivated by experienced growers to ensure outstanding germination, bold flavor, and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, this variety thrives in fall plantings and performs best in cooler climates. Place your order today to explore our full selection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties—perfect for growing a flavorful and productive garlic garden.
** 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.**
Check Your Zone Compatibility:
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
We cannot delay ship garlic/shallots. They will be shipped as soon as they are in stock.
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
- CCOF Certified Organic
- Container Compatible
- Easy to Peel Cloves
- Flavor Pick
- Good for Beginners
- Hardneck
- Spicy Flavor
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.
Customer Reviews
Cloves were large and at least 10 per bulb. This is my first time with Spanish Roja and it looks promising. I’ve been disappointed more each with the garlic I have bought in the past,
A few cloves weren’t in good condition and I ended up with quite a few small cloves. I also ordered Shallots and I was disappointed that neither came with planting instructions. Even though I have planted them for many years, I couldn’t remember the correct spacing and depth for the garlic.
I received beautiful large garlic cloves. I'm very happy with them so far. They sprouted and came up in less than two weeks and are now 5" tall. Looking forward to harvest time next year
