When it comes to garlic, Californians know their stuff. It’s no wonder this large, reliable variety takes its name from the garlic capital of the world. California Garlic (Allium sativum ‘California Late’) offers an explosion of flavor and large, zesty cloves with easy-to-peel papery skins. This softneck garlic is adored among garlic connoisseurs and home gardeners for its low-maintenance nature and impeccable flavor.

California Garlic is easy to grow and highly productive. When ready to harvest, this reliable variety boasts up to sixteen fat cloves with powerful garlic flavor. What does a homegrown California Garlic taste like compared to store-bought garlic? They’re a bit spicier and more pungent since they’re fresher. They tend to be more aromatic and have a bit more juice.

Garlic is best planted in the fall at the same time you are planting your tulip bulbs in a full sun, well drained location. Break the bulbs into individual cloves and plant the cloves about 4-6 inches apart. Put the root side down and pointed side up into the loosened soil and cover with an inch or two of soil and water in well. Fall planting right up until the ground freezes in the colder areas, and right up until early spring in the warmer regions.

This delightful variety is very easy to grow. They prefer well-drained soil that is not compacted. They also thrive in full sun. They take about four months to mature to harvest. If you can’t wait, you can always harvest some of the Garlic scapes before they are ready. Once the green leaves turn yellow and die down, that is the time to harvest the bulbs beneath the ground and like your onions let them sit on top of the ground in the sun for a few days to dry up the bulbs .

Practice your garlic braiding, because when this garlic is ready to be harvested, you need to be ready to store as much as you can for future meals. California Garlic lasts for months when stored in a dry, cool location–even up to half a year.

If you let this beautiful allium go to seed, you’ll find it produces delightful purplish-pink flowers in joyous umbels.

Add even more flavor to your dishes and impress your family with your new secret ingredient or let your garlic bloom with its adorable flowers. No matter how you use your California Garlic, you’ll be happy to have it in your garden, order today!