Nootka Rose, Softneck, Seed Garlic

Pricing is per pound of seed garlic.

Nootka Rose – Softneck Seed Garlic
Allium sativum var. sativum

Nootka Rose is a beautiful heirloom softneck garlic renowned for its rich flavor, excellent storage life, and striking rose-tinted clove wrappers. Originally traced to the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State, this cultivar performs best in mild-winter climates but can also do well with care in colder zones. With layers of tight, silvery bulb wrappers encasing vibrant clove skins, Nootka Rose is a standout for both culinary use and braided garlic displays.

Key Characteristics

• Heirloom Flavor with Balanced Richness
  Nootka Rose has a robust, well-rounded garlic flavor—strong but not overpowering. It performs beautifully in everything from sautéed greens to garlic confit, and holds its flavor well in cooking without turning bitter.
• Excellent for Long-Term Storage
  With proper curing and dry storage, Nootka Rose can keep for 8–10 months, making it one of the longest-storing softnecks. Its tight skins and numerous cloves help extend its shelf life well into spring.
• Great for Braiding & Display
  This softneck has pliable necks ideal for braiding, and its striking rose-blushed cloves make it visually appealing in kitchen décor and farm market presentation. A favorite among growers who value beauty as much as performance.
• High Clove Count Per Bulb
  Each bulb typically contains 15–24 cloves, making it a great choice for frequent cooks and gardeners wanting a large return on their planting. The cloves are medium-sized, easy to separate, and great for seed saving.
• Adaptable in Gardens & Guilds
  While best in Zones 5 and up, Nootka Rose can be grown in colder zones with mulch. It integrates well into fruit tree guilds, vegetable beds, and herb gardens, where it helps deter pests like aphids and fungal soil pathogens.

Product Details

• Native Range: Cultivated, heirloom from the Pacific Northwest
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial (grown as annual)
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-dry, well-drained
• Mature Height: 16–20 inches
• Bloom Time: Softnecks rarely flower or produce scapes
• Bloom Color: N/A
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9 (with mulch, down to Zone 3–4)

For best results, plant Nootka Rose cloves in the fall, 2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart. Use mulch in colder climates. Cure thoroughly after harvest to extend shelf life and preserve that signature rose blush. Nootka Rose is the perfect blend of practical and beautiful—ideal for garlic braids, pantry storage, and flavorful meals all winter long.