Georgia Fire Garlic
Allium sativum 'Georgia Fire'
A robust softneck garlic variety that thrives in warmer climates where hardneck varieties struggle. Known for its reliable bulb formation and excellent storage qualities, producing plump bulbs with creamy white skin and a bold, spicy flavor. This variety is perfect for southern gardeners who want to grow their own garlic successfully.
Harvest
240-270d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Georgia Fire Garlic in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 allium →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Georgia Fire Garlic · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | December – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | December – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | December – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | December – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | December – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | November – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | October – December |
| Zone 10 | — | — | January – March | October – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Capsule on top of the flowering stalk. Splits open when ripe.
Color: Cream/Tan. Type: Capsule.
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Storage & Preservation
Cure Georgia Fire Garlic immediately after harvest by laying bulbs in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Once stems and roots are completely dry, trim roots to 1/4 inch and cut stems to 1 inch above the bulb.
Store properly cured bulbs in mesh bags or braided by their stems in a cool (60-65°F), dry location with good air circulation. Avoid refrigerating whole bulbs as cold temperatures trigger sprouting. Well-cured Georgia Fire stores 6-8 months under ideal conditions.
For preservation, separate cloves and freeze whole in ice cube trays with olive oil for easy cooking portions. Dehydrate sliced cloves at 115°F until crisp, then grind into powder. This variety's robust flavor makes excellent fermented black garlic when held at 140°F and high humidity for 3-4 weeks.
History & Origin
Origin: Asia and Iran
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer
Considerations
- -Toxic: Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Tomatoes
Garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes
Cabbage
Garlic deters cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles while improving cabbage flavor
Carrots
Garlic repels carrot flies and root maggots, while carrots help break up soil for garlic bulbs
Lettuce
Garlic protects lettuce from aphids and slugs without competing for nutrients
Roses
Garlic reduces aphids, black spot, and Japanese beetles on roses
Peppers
Garlic repels aphids and spider mites while potentially enhancing pepper flavor
Spinach
Garlic protects spinach from leaf miners and aphids with minimal root competition
Strawberries
Garlic deters slugs, aphids, and spider mites that damage strawberry plants
Keep Apart
Beans
Garlic inhibits nitrogen fixation by beneficial bacteria in bean root nodules
Peas
Garlic stunts pea growth and interferes with their nitrogen-fixing capabilities
Asparagus
Garlic can stunt asparagus growth and reduce spear production through allelopathic effects
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #1104647)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to white rot and fusarium basal rot
Common Pests
Onion thrips, bulb mites, nematodes
Diseases
White rot, fusarium basal rot, rust