Spanish Roja Garlic
Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon 'Spanish Roja'
A legendary hardneck garlic variety brought to the Pacific Northwest by Spanish immigrants, Spanish Roja offers full-bodied flavor with a satisfying heat that doesn't overpower. Known for its beautiful purple-striped bulb wrappers and reliable performance in cold climates. This is the garlic that made Spokane famous among garlic enthusiasts.
Harvest
240-270d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Spanish Roja Garlic in USDA Zone 7
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Spanish Roja 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 Spanish Roja in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area (75-85°F, 60-70% humidity) for 2-3 weeks until outer skins are papery and necks are completely dry. Properly cured Spanish Roja stores 4-6 months at room temperature in mesh bags or braided by their sturdy stems.
For longer storage, keep in a cool, dry location (32-40°F) with good air circulation — never in plastic bags or sealed containers. Check monthly and remove any bulbs showing soft spots.
Preserve excess harvest by making garlic powder from dehydrated cloves, freezing whole peeled cloves in olive oil (use within 3 months), or fermenting in salt brine for complex umami flavors. Spanish Roja's robust flavor holds up exceptionally well to roasting and can be preserved in roasted garlic oil.
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 attack tomatoes
Roses
Garlic deters aphids, Japanese beetles, and may reduce black spot disease
Cabbage
Garlic repels cabbage worms, aphids, and cabbage root maggots
Carrots
Garlic repels carrot rust flies and nematodes while improving carrot flavor
Lettuce
Garlic deters aphids and slugs that commonly damage lettuce leaves
Spinach
Garlic repels aphids and leaf miners while not competing for nutrients
Peppers
Garlic deters aphids, spider mites, and may reduce fungal diseases
Strawberries
Garlic repels slugs, aphids, and may deter rodents from berry patches
Keep Apart
Beans
Garlic inhibits nitrogen fixation by rhizobia bacteria in bean root nodules
Peas
Garlic compounds interfere with pea growth and nitrogen fixation process
Asparagus
Garlic's allelopathic compounds can stunt asparagus growth and development
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, nematodes
Diseases
White rot, rust, basal rot