Red German Garlic, also known as German Red, is a hardneck garlic variety recognized for its robust flavor and impressive storage capabilities. The bulbs are typically large and have a distinctive purplish-red hue on their outer layers. Each bulb contains approximately 8 to 12 cloves, which are uniform in size and have a brownish skin. The cloves themselves are wrapped in a tight, reddish-brown papery skin. The plant produces a flower stalk known as a scape, which is characteristic of hardneck garlic varieties.
- Size: Bulb Diameter: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm). Plant Height: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
- Planting Time: Plant cloves in the fall, 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Spacing: Plant cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as harvest time approaches.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in early spring.
- Mulching: Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and control weeds.
- Harvesting: Harvest in mid to late summer when the lower leaves turn brown, typically in July or August.
- Storage: Cure bulbs in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Store in a cool, dark place with good air circulation.