Mennonite, Hardneck, Seed Garlic

Pricing is per pound of seed garlic.

Mennonite – Hardneck Seed Garlic
Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon

Mennonite is a richly flavored, cold-hardy Rocambole-type hardneck garlic with deep historical roots and strong garden performance. This heirloom variety is believed to have been preserved by Mennonite communities, known for seed stewardship and sustainable farming. Mennonite garlic features bold flavor, easy-to-peel cloves, and excellent culinary utility—perfect for northern growers and home cooks who value heritage and taste.

Key Characteristics

• Bold, Classic Garlic Flavor
  Mennonite offers a deep, garlicky intensity with a warm, lingering finish—perfect for raw use in dressings or salsa and just as lovely roasted. The flavor is robust but not harsh, making it a true all-purpose kitchen garlic.
• Easy-to-Peel Cloves for the Home Cook
  Typical of rocambole types, Mennonite garlic has a loose clove wrapper that makes peeling a breeze. Each bulb contains 8–10 medium-large cloves arranged in a single layer around the core—ideal for quick prep and everyday use.
• Heirloom Lineage with Cold Hardiness
  Selected and passed down by Mennonite farmers, this variety is well adapted to northern climates. It overwinters reliably and benefits from mulch and rich, loamy soil. It’s a great fit for organic systems and seed-saving growers.
• Produces Gourmet Garlic Scapes
  In early summer, Mennonite garlic sends up curled scapes—tender flower stalks that are harvested young and used in stir-fries, pestos, or grilled whole. Removing scapes allows the plant to redirect energy to bulb development.
• Shorter Storage Life
  As with most rocamboles, storage life is shorter—typically 3–4 months. It’s best grown for fall-through-winter use and should be cured promptly and used regularly after harvest.

Product Details

• Native Range: Cultivated heirloom from Mennonite communities in North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial (grown as annual)
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, rich, well-drained
• Mature Height: 18–24 inches
• Bloom Time: Scapes emerge late May–early June; flowers form in late June–early July if allowed
• Bloom Color: White
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Plant Mennonite garlic cloves in fall, 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with heavy mulch in colder zones. It’s an excellent garlic for homesteads, permaculture gardens, and heritage crop preservation—offering strong culinary value and a direct link to traditional farming practices.