Extra Hardy Organic Garlic Bulbs

(Allium sativum)

Extra Hardy Organic Garlic is a cold-tolerant garlic variety bred to thrive in cooler climates, producing robust bulbs with rich flavor and strong aroma. Typically grown as a hardneck type, this garlic is planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. It develops complex flavors that intensify when cooked, making it a staple crop for both home cooks and gardeners looking for reliable, overwintering plants.

Plant Specifications

Common Name: Extra Hardy Garlic
Scientific Name: Allium sativum
Variety Type: Organic, typically hardneck garlic
Plant Type: Cool-season bulb crop (overwintering)
Plant Height: 18–36 inches
Bulb Size: Medium to large (multiple cloves per bulb)
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil
Water Needs: Moderate; reduce watering as harvest approaches
Planting Time: Fall (before ground freezes)
Harvest Time: Early to mid-summer
Flavor: Strong, rich, and aromatic

Growing Tips

• Plant individual cloves in the fall, about 2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart.

• Apply mulch to protect bulbs through winter.

• Remove flower stalks (scapes) in spring to direct energy into bulb growth.

• Harvest when lower leaves begin to yellow and dry, then cure bulbs in a dry, ventilated space.

Pollinator & Garden Value 🌼

If allowed to flower, garlic produces unique globe-shaped blooms that attract:

• Bees

• Pollinators

• Beneficial insects

These flowers can also be quite ornamental in the garden.

Interesting Facts

• Garlic has been used for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

• Hardneck garlic varieties produce fewer but larger cloves and often have more complex flavor than softneck types.

• Garlic scapes (the flower stalks) are edible and delicious, often used in pesto or stir-fries.

• Garlic naturally contains compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Garden Learning Connection 🌱

At the Thorn Hill Education Center Garden, extra hardy garlic helps demonstrate how plants can survive winter and grow across seasons. Visitors can scan the QR code near the planting area to learn about overwintering crops, bulb development, and how timing and climate play a role in successful food production.