Item Number: FP526
Organic German Xtra Hardy Garlic (Lb)
Very Reliable Hardneck Variety
- Very cold hardy variety of hardneck porcelain garlic
- Has large bulbs with about 4-7 large cloves
- White wrappers enclose purple streaked cloves
- Hot garlic flavor that mellows with cooking
- Very reliable garlic variety and a good keeper
- Grown in Washington
Origin and Overview
German Xtra Hardy garlic, also known as German Extra Hardy or German White, is a popular variety of hardneck garlic. It is renowned for its robust flavor, hardiness, and ease of cultivation. This variety is believed to have originated in Germany, though it has become a staple in many North American gardens due to its adaptability to colder climates. It is a member of the Porcelain garlic family, which is characterized by its large cloves and strong, pungent flavor.
Characteristics
German Xtra Hardy garlic is visually striking, featuring large, white bulbs with a smooth, satiny appearance. Each bulb typically contains 4 to 6 cloves, which are notably larger than those found in many other garlic varieties. The cloves themselves are covered in a thick, creamy-white wrapper that adds to the variety's visual appeal.
In terms of flavor, this garlic is known for its strong, spicy taste. It delivers a potent, rich garlic flavor that is both bold and aromatic, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks who prefer a more pronounced garlic presence in their dishes. The flavor profile of this garlic is often described as having a robust heat that mellows into a deep, rich sweetness when cooked.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: It is prized for its robust and spicy flavor. As a Porcelain hardneck variety, it delivers a clean, strong garlic taste with a hot bite when raw and a smooth, buttery richness when roasted. Its intense flavor makes it perfect for bold dishes, hearty meats, and savory roasted vegetables.
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Aroma Profile: When crushed or chopped, it releases a potent, earthy garlic scent that deepens as it cooks. The raw aroma is powerful and pungent, ideal for fresh salsas, infused oils, and rubs, while the cooked aroma mellows beautifully to enrich soups, stews, and roasts.
Cultivation Requirements
It is relatively straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here are the key cultivation requirements:
- Climate: This variety thrives in colder climates and is particularly well-suited to areas with harsh winters. It requires a period of cold weather to develop properly, which is why it is often planted in the fall.
- Soil: This garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adding organic matter, such as compost, can help improve soil quality and drainage.
- Watering: Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. However, it's important to avoid water-logging, which can lead to bulb rot.
- Care: Mulching with straw or leaves can help protect the garlic over the winter and suppress weeds. In the spring, remove the mulch to allow the soil to warm up and encourage growth.
- Harvesting: It is usually ready to harvest in mid-summer. When the lower leaves start to turn brown, it's a sign that the bulbs are mature. Carefully dig up the bulbs and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks.
Culinary Uses
The strong, pungent flavor of this garlic makes it a versatile ingredient in a wide range of culinary applications. Here are some popular uses:
- Raw: Its bold flavor is perfect for raw preparations, such as garlic aioli, pesto, and salad dressings. A small amount goes a long way, adding a sharp, spicy kick.
- Roasted: Roasting mellows the heat and brings out a deep, caramelized sweetness. Roasted garlic can be spread on bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, or used as a base for soups and sauces.
- Sautéed: Sautéing this garlic in olive oil or butter releases its aromatic qualities and adds depth to dishes like pasta, stir-fries, and stews.
- Pickled: Pickling preserves the garlic and adds a tangy twist. Pickled garlic cloves are a tasty addition to charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and salads.
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 tops of German Xtra Hardy Garlic to dry thoroughly and turn brown to ensure the bulbs are well cured. Hang the hardneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space to preserve their bold flavor and nutritional strength. German Xtra Hardy Garlic is renowned for its rich, spicy character and stores well for months—perfect for both fresh use and roasting.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To maximize the shelf life of German Xtra Hardy Garlic, harvest when the foliage has dried and the bulbs are fully matured. Cure the bulbs in a dry, breezy environment to retain their intense flavor and firm texture. Known for its robust, full-bodied taste, German Xtra Hardy Garlic adds depth to everything from fresh sauces to hearty roasted dishes, and remains flavorful over extended storage periods.
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 Xtra Hardy Garlic, carefully cultivated by experienced growers to ensure excellent germination and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, this Porcelain variety is well-suited for fall planting and thrives in cold climates, producing large, flavorful cloves. 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.




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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
- Easy to Peel Cloves
- Good Keeper
- Hardneck
- Spicy Flavor
- WSDA Certified Organic
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
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.
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Well, I planted and watered and hope for the best next season!
Garlic was in good shape no dried out pieces. So now up to the weather with help
from my hose! We had a very wet winter and dry summer, with to warm of conditions?
so hopefully next season will be better.
My order was prompt and just what I expected.
My community gardeners and I are trying this for the first time. We’ve always had great results with our Peaceful Valley garlic and, by the look of the seed garlic that arrived, are excited to see it produce wonderfully flavorful garlic next summer. It arrived timely and with beautiful large cloves. Can’t wait to taste!