Product information
Bulb
identification
identification
Common nameGerman White garlic
Latin nameAllium sativum var. ophioscorodon ‘German White’
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
CycleAnnual
Bulb typeBulb
Quantity per pack3 bulbs
Product
description
description
German White Garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon ‘German White’) is a hardneck porcelain garlic variety valued for its massive white bulbs and four to six large, uniform, plump cloves that are easy to peel. This German White hardneck garlic offers a rich, aromatic, and slightly pungent flavour that makes it a classic choice for home cooking. Its upright, blue-green foliage reaches 50 to 70 cm in height before turning yellow at maturity. Extremely hardy to Zone 2, German White garlic is perfectly suited to Quebec’s cold climate and produces abundant, reliable harvests that store well after proper curing.
Plant German White garlic bulbs in fall with the pointed end facing upward, approximately 5 cm deep. Space them 10 to 15 cm apart and leave 30 cm between rows. Choose a location in full sun with loose, fertile, organically rich, and perfectly drained soil. An application of well-aged compost before planting encourages bulb development, while excessive nitrogen mainly promotes foliage growth. Water lightly after planting, then moderately during active growth. Gradually reduce watering before harvest and remove the flower scapes to encourage larger bulbs.
German White porcelain garlic is ideal for family vegetable gardens, food gardens, edible flower beds, and large, well-drained containers. It grows well alongside carrots, tomatoes, beets, lettuce, and strawberries while helping deter certain pests. Its young flower scapes are also edible and delicious sautéed, grilled, or added to pesto. The distinctive German White garlic flavour is perfect for sauces, stews, grilled dishes, roasted garlic, lacto-fermentation, and preserving. Harvest the bulbs when approximately half of the foliage has turned yellow, then cure them in a dry, shaded, and well-ventilated location.
Main
benefit
benefit
Garden
placement
placement
Where to plant
Perfect for vegetable gardens, food gardens, and edible flower beds. It produces an abundant harvest of large bulbs that are easy to store and cook with. The flower scapes can also be harvested for their delicate flavour. This hardy variety is particularly well adapted to Quebec’s cold climate.
Care level
Easy
Planting
and care
and care
ExposureFull sun
Planting periodFall
Planting depth5 cm (2 in)
Rooting temperature10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F)
Hardiness zoneZone 2
WateringWater moderately during active growth, then gradually reduce watering before harvest. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.
Soil typeLoose, fertile, organically rich, and perfectly drained soil. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
FertilizationAdd well-aged compost before planting. Avoid excessive nitrogen to encourage bulb development rather than excessive foliage growth.
Container
growing
growing
Seasonal
care
care
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
harvest
and garden
Bloom periodFlowering is secondary because the plant is grown for its bulbs. The flower scapes are generally removed to encourage larger heads.
Flower colorWhite
HarvestJuly to August
Companion plantsCarrots, tomatoes, beets, lettuce, and strawberries make excellent companion plants. Garlic can also help repel certain vegetable garden pests.
Plants to avoidThe main problems are bulb rot in poorly drained soil, onion flies, and certain fungal diseases. Proper crop rotation helps reduce these risks.
Wildlife appealPollinators
Size
and growth
and growth
Height50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in)
Spread10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)
Growth rateFast
Rooting / establishment14 to 28 days
Frequently asked questions
The availability of our bulbs, cloves, tubers, rhizomes, seeds and plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may only be available for a limited time, depending on their natural cycle, planting period or available stock. These product pages are designed to guide and inspire your plant choices for the garden, vegetable garden, landscaping, container growing or sustainable outdoor projects.
