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.