Garlic Bulbs - Fall - Hardneck - Mennonite

3 Bulbs Per Bag Shipping Now! This product only ships to the lower 48 states. No shipping outside the USA. 240-270 Days to maturity. Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon. Mennonite Hardneck Porcelain Garlic Bulbs. Non-GMO, annual, hardneck porcelain group garlic bulbs. This variety is also known as German Mennonite Garlic and produces large, beautiful white bulbs with just 4 to 6 big cloves per bulb. It has a thick, durable wrapper, which allows it to store well over the winter. The flavor is strong and robust, typically described as rich and bold but not overly harsh compared to other garlic varieties. Excellent for storage.   Latin Name: Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon Hardiness Zone: Perennial, but cultivated as an annual. Grow in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 Days to Maturity: 240-270 Planting Depth: 2-4 inches, rounded end down Plant Spacing: 6 inches Row Spacing: 24 inches Plant Height: 24 inches Plant Spread: 12 inches Plant Width: 12 inches Growth Habit: Upright Soil Preference: Well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of organic matter. Garlic prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Temperature Preference: Ideally, it likes cool weather when establishing roots in the fall and requires cold winters (vernalization) to form large bulbs. Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Hardneck garlic are generally more resistant to fungal diseases than softneck varieties. Keep a look out for onion maggots, nematodes, aphids, thrips, white rot, botrytis, downy mildew, fusarium wilt, and rust. Mennonite Porcelain Hardneck Garlic Color: White skin with cream colored cloves. Mennonite Porcelain Hardneck Garlic Flavor: Strong, bold, and slightly spicy but not overpowering Harvest Time: Late Summer or Early Fall Easy/Hard: Easy Direct Sow: Yes, direct sow in the fall. Start Indoors: No. Landscape Use: Background, borders, edible landscaping. Tolerance: Deer Resistant Growing Non-GMO Mennonite Hardneck Porcelain Garlic Bulbs Plant the cloves in the fall, usually around September or October. The key to successful planting is ensuring the garlic has enough time to establish some roots before winter sets in, but not so early that it starts to grow shoots above ground. The cloves should be planted 2 to 4 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upward. Garlic prefers loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Spacing is also crucial for proper growth. Plant each clove about 6 to 8 inches apart, and leave 12 to 24 inches between rows to allow for sufficient airflow and prevent overcrowding. After planting, it's recommended to mulch the garlic bed with straw or leaves to insulate the soil and protect the bulbs during the colder months. As spring approaches, the mulch can be removed or pushed aside to allow for warming soil temperatures and to promote strong growth. Garlic requires full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Garlic is a heavy feeder and will benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or a higher nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season. It's best to apply fertilizer in the spring when the garlic starts to grow more rapidly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mennonite Hardneck Porcelain Garlic Bulbs in the Vegetable Garden In the vegetable garden, it serves not only as a culinary staple but also as a natural pest deterrent, helping to repel aphids and certain insects that target nearby plants. Its tall, sturdy stalks and curly scapes provide visual interest in the garden, making it a striking element when interplanted with other vegetables or herbs. Harvesting Mennonite Hardneck Porcelain Garlic Bulbs The best indicator that your garlic is ready to be harvested is when the lower leaves of the plant begin to turn brown while the upper leaves remain green. This usually happens around July or August, depending on your growing region. It's important not to wait until all the leaves have dried, as this can cause the bulbs to split and reduce their storage life. Ideally, you want about five green leaves remaining, as each green leaf represents a protective layer of the garlic’s outer skin. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the garlic with a garden fork, being careful not to damage the bulbs. Avoid pulling the garlic directly by its stem, as this can cause the stalks to break, making it harder to cure and store. Once the bulbs are out of the ground, brush off excess dirt, but do not wash them. Garlic bulbs should be cured by laying them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for about 2-3 weeks. Once cured, you can trim the roots and cut back the stems, leaving about 1 inch. About Mennonite Hardneck Porcelain Garlic Bulbs This variety of garlic has origins in northern Mennonite communities who passed down these cloves for generations. Over time, the variety gained popularity beyond these communities due to its robust flavor and reliability in the garden. This garlic variety is ideal for those seeking a hardy, cold-tolerant crop that performs well in colder climates and can be stored for extended periods. Garlic is usually planted in the fall and harvested in the summer season the following year. From planting to harvest, it typically takes about 8 to 9 months. Garlic is known for its health benefits, being rich in vitamins B6 and C, manganese, and selenium. It also contains a compound called allicin, which is responsible for its potent flavor and many of its medicinal properties. Allicin is released when garlic is crushed or chopped, and it has been studied for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. Stories From Our Gardeners "Garlic is one of those crops that once you start growing it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t before. It is kind of like a crockpot meal. Fix it and forget it! Put it in the ground in the fall and forget about it (more or less) until the following summer!" - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Mennonite Hardneck Porcelain Garlic Bulbs Per Package: 3 Bulbs Non-GMO Mennonite Hardneck Porcelain Garlic Bulbs are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.