Tips for Growing German White Garlic

Tasty, nutritious, and easy to grow, ‘German White’ garlic is a hardneck variety also known as ‘German Extra-Hardy,’ ‘German Stiffneck,’ and ‘Northern White.’

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Hardneck types, also known as stiffneck garlic or ophios, are fall-planted for a necessary period of cold vernalization over winter, before regrowing in spring once the days begin to lengthen.

‘German White’ is one of the best hardnecks for growing in mild, wet winters as well.

Mature bulbs of up to three inches in diameter are beautifully uniform, with cream to milky-white, parchment-like tunics.

Each bulb has four to six large, plump cloves encased in thick, cream or tan wrappers that are sometimes streaked with purple. In colder climates, the clove wrappers often deepen to burgundy.

This highly nutritious member of the Porcelain group is loved for its pungent but not overpowering flavor (outstanding for roasting!), simple cultivation, easy-peel cloves, and long storage life.

So if you think your garden needs a patch of this flavorful and easily grown cultivar, join us now for a look at how to grow ‘German White’ garlic!

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

A. sativum var. ophioscorodon ‘German White’ is a hardneck cultivar that belongs to the Porcelain group.

If you’re not familiar with the different varietal groups, be sure to read our guide to the 10 garlic families to understand the differences.

This cultivar features a complex, rich, and spicy flavor profile with a long-lasting heat that softens and sweetens when cooked.

The bulbs are sown in fall