German Extra Hardy Seed Garlic

German Extra Hardy Garlic: Description & Growing Tips

Description:
German Extra Hardy is a popular hardneck garlic variety, classified as a Porcelain type. It is known for its large, flavorful bulbs and excellent cold tolerance, making it ideal for northern climates.

• Bulb & Cloves: Produces large bulbs with 4-6 big, easy-to-peel cloves.
• Skin & Appearance: White outer wrapper with a purplish hue on individual cloves.
• Flavor Profile: Bold, strong, and slightly spicy when raw, mellowing into a rich, savory taste when cooked.
• Storage Life: Stores well for 6-9 months under proper conditions.
• Cold Hardiness: One of the most cold-resistant garlic varieties, thriving in harsh winters.

Growing Tips for German Extra Hardy Garlic

1. Planting Time:
   • Best planted in the fall (late September to November, before the ground freezes).
   • Can be planted in early spring in milder climates, but fall planting yields larger bulbs.
2. Soil & Location:
   • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with high organic matter.
   • Requires full sun for optimal growth.
3. Spacing & Depth:
   • Plant cloves 2-3 inches deep with the pointed end up.
   • Space them 4-6 inches apart in rows about 12 inches apart.
4. Watering & Mulching:
   • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
   • Mulch with straw or leaves in colder climates to protect against frost and suppress weeds.
5. Fertilization:
   • Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
   • Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal) in early spring for strong growth.
6. Scape Removal:
   • Hardneck garlic produces flower stalks (scapes) in late spring. Removing them encourages larger bulb development. Scapes are edible and can be used in cooking.
7. Harvesting & Curing:
   • Harvest in mid to late summer when the lower leaves start browning but a few green leaves remain.
   • Cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks before storing.