German Extra Hardy Garlic
Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon 'German Extra Hardy'
A robust hardneck garlic variety that lives up to its name by surviving the harshest winters while producing large, flavorful bulbs with 4-6 cloves each. This porcelain-type garlic offers excellent storage life and a rich, complex flavor that becomes sweet and nutty when roasted. It's an ideal choice for northern gardeners who want reliable garlic production and the bonus of edible scapes in early summer.
Harvest
240-270d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for German Extra Hardy Garlic in USDA Zone 7
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German Extra Hardy 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 freshly harvested German Extra Hardy garlic by hanging in bunches of 4-6 plants in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area (80-85°F) for 2-3 weeks until outer skins become papery. Once cured, trim roots and cut stems to 1 inch above the bulb.
Store cured bulbs in mesh bags or open baskets in a cool, dry location with good air circulation—ideal conditions are 60-65°F with 60-70% humidity. Properly cured German Extra Hardy will store 6-8 months, often lasting until the following spring.
For preservation, this variety excels when roasted whole and frozen in oil-packed containers for up to 6 months. Individual cloves freeze well when peeled and stored in airtight containers for up to one year. The rich, complex flavor also makes it excellent for fermenting into black garlic or creating garlic-infused vinegars. Avoid storing fresh garlic in the refrigerator, as this triggers sprouting and bitter flavors.
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 other brassica pests
Carrots
Garlic repels carrot flies while carrots help break up soil around garlic bulbs
Lettuce
Garlic protects lettuce from aphids and slugs without competing for nutrients
Roses
Garlic repels aphids, Japanese beetles, and may reduce black spot disease
Peppers
Garlic deters aphids, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects that damage peppers
Spinach
Garlic provides pest protection while spinach's shallow roots don't compete with garlic bulbs
Strawberries
Garlic repels slugs, aphids, and spider mites that commonly damage strawberry plants
Keep Apart
Beans
Garlic can inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation by rhizobia bacteria
Peas
Alliums can stunt pea growth and interfere with their nitrogen-fixing capabilities
Asparagus
Garlic can inhibit asparagus growth and may reduce spear production
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
Common Pests
Onion thrips, bulb mites (minimal issues)
Diseases
White rot, fusarium basal rot (in poor drainage)