Siberian Garlic
Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon 'Siberian'
An extremely hardy hardneck garlic variety that survives brutal winters and produces beautiful purple-striped bulbs with complex, robust flavor. This reliable performer sends up dramatic curling scapes in summer and develops 8-12 cloves per bulb with excellent storage life. Siberian is perfect for northern gardeners who want dependable garlic with gourmet flavor and stunning appearance.
Harvest
240-270d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Siberian Garlic in USDA Zone 7
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Siberian 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 Siberian garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until outer skins become papery. Once cured, trim roots and cut stems to 1 inch, leaving the protective wrapper intact.
Store cured bulbs in mesh bags or braids in a cool (55-65°F), dry location with good air circulation. Properly cured Siberian garlic keeps 6-8 months under ideal conditions. Avoid refrigeration, which triggers sprouting, and don't store in plastic bags where moisture causes rot.
For preservation, roast whole bulbs and freeze in portions, or separate cloves and ferment in honey for a complex condiment. Dehydrated Siberian garlic creates an intensely flavored powder that stores for years. The scapes freeze beautifully for year-round use in stir-fries and pesto.
History & Origin
Origin: Asia and Iran
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer
Considerations
- -Toxic: Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Cabbage
Garlic deters cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles that commonly attack brassicas
Carrots
Garlic repels carrot flies while carrots help break up soil for garlic bulb development
Lettuce
Garlic provides natural pest protection while lettuce acts as living mulch without competing for nutrients
Peppers
Garlic repels aphids and spider mites while potentially enhancing pepper flavor and growth
Roses
Garlic deters aphids, Japanese beetles, and may help prevent black spot and other fungal diseases
Spinach
Garlic protects against leaf miners and aphids while spinach provides ground cover
Strawberries
Garlic repels slugs, aphids, and nematodes that commonly damage strawberry plants
Tomatoes
Garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and other tomato pests while improving flavor
Keep Apart
Beans
Garlic can inhibit nitrogen fixation by bean root nodules and stunt overall growth
Peas
Allelopathic compounds in garlic can reduce pea germination and growth rates
Asparagus
Garlic can inhibit asparagus spear development and reduce overall yield
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #1104647)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent cold hardiness, good disease resistance
Common Pests
Bulb mites, nematodes, aphids
Diseases
White rot, fusarium basal rot, rust