Organic German Xtra Hardy Garlic (Lb)

German Xtra Hardy garlic is a beloved porcelain-type hardneck garlic prized for its rich flavor, exceptional cold tolerance, and reliable yields. This heirloom variety likely originated in Germany and has since become a staple in North American gardens, especially in regions with harsh winters. Its large bulbs, beautiful clove coloration, and spicy aroma make it a favorite for gardeners and cooks alike.

As a Porcelain garlic, German Xtra Hardy offers a clean, bold garlic taste, with impressive bulb size and a strong, satisfying bite. Gardeners value it for its consistency, excellent storage qualities, and dependable performance in northern climates. Whether you're roasting, sautéing, or enjoying it raw, this garlic adds character and depth to every dish.

Grown in Washington by skilled organic farmers, this variety embodies durability, beauty, and culinary excellence. Plant it in fall for a robust summer harvest and enjoy its flavor long after the growing season ends.

• Common Names: German Extra Hardy, German White
• Type: Hardneck, Porcelain
• Cloves per Bulb: 4–7 large cloves
• Wrapper Color: White outer wrappers with purple-streaked cloves
• Flavor: Hot and spicy when raw; mellow and rich when cooked
• Storage: Excellent keeper
• Growing Region: Grown in Washington

Flavor and Aroma Profile

• Flavor: Bold, spicy, and full-bodied. Raw cloves deliver a hot bite, while cooking transforms the flavor into a smooth, buttery richness—perfect for roasts, stews, and hearty entrees.
• Aroma: Pungent and earthy when raw, with a powerful garlic punch. Once cooked, the aroma deepens into a sweet, savory fragrance ideal for soups, sauces, and rubs.

Planting and Cultivation

• Planting Time: Fall planting recommended for best bulb development
• Climate: Thrives in cold climates and requires vernalization (cold exposure) to form proper bulbs
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0; amend with compost as needed
• Watering: Maintain even moisture, especially during dry periods; avoid overwatering
• Care: Mulch in fall with straw or leaves to insulate and suppress weeds; remove mulch in spring
• Harvest: Typically harvested in mid-summer when lower leaves yellow and brown; cure in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area for 3–4 weeks

Scaping

Hardneck garlic varieties like this garlic produce scapes, curly flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. While the scapes are edible and delicious, their removal redirects energy to bulb development, resulting in larger cloves. Harvest scapes when they curl once or twice and use them in culinary dishes like pesto or stir-fries.

Read our blog about The Differences Between Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic to learn more.

Culinary Uses

• Raw: Excellent in dressings, pestos, and marinades for a sharp, intense kick
• Roasted: Brings out a caramelized sweetness and creamy texture, great for smearing on toast or mixing into dips
• Sautéed: Sauté in olive oil to create the foundation of countless savory dishes
• Pickled: Preserves the garlic for long-term enjoyment and adds tangy complexity to appetizers and salads

Storage and Preservation

How to Store: After harvesting and curing, hang the garlic in a cool, dry, and airy environment. German Xtra Hardy stores exceptionally well, often for 6–9 months under proper conditions.

For Long-Term Use: Cure bulbs completely before storing to prevent mold and ensure strong flavor retention. Avoid refrigeration; instead, store in mesh bags or open baskets in a dark pantry.

Freezing Tips: Garlic can be frozen as peeled cloves or minced paste. Avoid freezing freshly harvested garlic that hasn’t been cured, as it may turn mushy and lose flavor. Frozen garlic is great for quick-use recipes and maintains much of its punch when cooked.

Why Order From Us?

We are committed to offering premium-quality hardneck garlic varieties like German Xtra Hardy, grown by trusted organic farmers. Each bulb is carefully selected and shipped fresh for fall planting, ensuring excellent germination and garden success.

Sold by the pound, this cold-hardy Porcelain variety is ideal for gardeners seeking a bold-flavored, long-storing garlic that performs well in northern zones.

Explore our full collection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties to find the best match for your growing region and cooking preferences.

** For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center and try out our Garlic Selector Tool to find the perfect garlic for your growing zone and tastes. Or check out all of our Garlic Learning Blogs where our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips to help you learn how to successfully grow garlic bulbs.**