Hardneck Garlic / Rocambole (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon): Flavorful, Scape-Producing Garlic for Cold Climates

Overview

Hardneck garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon), including Rocambole and serpent garlic types, produces a woody central stem (scape) that coils and bears bulbils. It has fewer, larger cloves per bulb than softneck garlic, with more complex, intense flavors. Better adapted to cold winters.

Botanical Details

• Family: Amaryllidaceae (formerly Alliaceae)
• Genus: Allium
• Species: sativum
• Synonyms: Allium controversum, A. longicuspis, A. ophioscorodon, A. pekinense

Growing & Harvest

Plant cloves in fall, 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil. Full sun. Remove scapes in early summer to direct energy to bulbs (scapes are edible delicacy). Harvest when lower leaves brown. Cure 2-3 weeks. Stores 4-6 months. Many gourmet varieties (Rocambole, Porcelain, Purple Stripe).