Item Number: FP521
German Red Garlic (lb)
A Spicy and Vigorous Rocambole Hardneck
German Red is a bold Rocambole hardneck garlic known for its fiery heat, striking reddish cloves, and excellent performance in colder climates. With 8–10 large, easy-to-peel cloves per bulb, this heirloom variety has been favored by gardeners and cooks alike for over a century. The vivid clove skins contrast beautifully with white outer wrappers, making it as visually appealing as it is flavorful.
Originally brought to North America by German immigrants, this garlic offers strong, spicy flavor that mellows into a rich, savory depth when cooked. German Red Garlic is a vigorous grower that thrives in northern zones with true winter chill and rewards growers with dependable yields and striking 2" diameter bulbs. Ideal for making salsas, garlic oils, and spice-forward dishes, it’s a favorite among chefs who want garlic that leaves an impression.
This Rocambole variety is perfect for gardeners seeking hardneck garlic with strong flavor, robust growth, and long storage life. Its exceptional garden performance, intense taste, and heirloom character make German Red a standout addition to your garlic-growing collection.
- Rocambole Hardneck Garlic.
- Strong and spicy, with an oniony kick—perfect for salsas and savory dishes.
- 8–10 large, easy-to-peel cloves per bulb.
- Red-streaked clove wrappers with white outer skin.
- Bulbs average 2" diameter; 6–8 bulbs per pound.
- Cold-hardy and ideal for fall planting in northern climates.
- Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil; harvest in mid to late summer.
- Grown in Canada.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: This garlic is celebrated for its robust, spicy flavor with strong heat when raw, mellowing to a rich, savory taste when cooked. As a Rocambole variety, it offers full-bodied intensity that shines in roasts, stir-fries, and stews. Its sharp flavor also adds complexity to salsas and marinades.
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Aroma Profile: When crushed or chopped, German Red releases a bold, pungent aroma with earthy undertones. The scent intensifies during cooking, enhancing dishes with a rich, savory fragrance. It's especially aromatic in raw applications like dressings, compound butters, and spice rubs.
Planting Time
It is typically planted in the fall for a summer harvest, like other hardneck varieties. Fall planting allows the cloves to establish roots before winter, leading to stronger plants and larger bulbs come harvest time.
Scaping
As a hardneck variety, German Red Garlic produces scapes—curled flower stalks that appear in late spring. These should be harvested when they curl once or twice to redirect energy toward bulb development. Scapes are edible and delicious in pestos, stir-fries, and soups.
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 mid to late summer, allow the green stalks to fully dry and turn brown. This ensures the bulbs are properly cured. Hang the bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated, dry area to preserve their strong flavor and nutritional quality. German Red Garlic keeps well for several months when properly cured.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
Harvest the bulbs when most of the foliage has browned and only a few green leaves remain. Cure them in an airy, dry space to retain their intense flavor and long shelf life. The spicy, complex taste of German Red makes it a reliable choice for long-term use in both fresh and cooked recipes.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
After curing, you can freeze German Red Garlic in multiple forms—whole bulbs, peeled cloves, or minced—depending on your needs. Avoid freezing fresh, uncured garlic, as its high moisture content can affect texture and flavor after thawing. Cured garlic retains better taste and structure during long-term freezing.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like German Red Garlic, grown and selected by expert growers for optimal performance, strong germination, and vibrant growth. Sold by the pound, this Rocambole variety excels when fall-planted in cold climates and produces bold, flavorful bulbs with excellent culinary versatility. Place your order today to browse our full range of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties—ideal for cultivating a productive and flavorful home 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.**
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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
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
- 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.
