Mount Hood is a hardneck garlic variety that combines robust flavor with the practical strength needed for northern gardens. This cultivar thrives in full sun and moderate moisture conditions, spacing 6 inches apart for optimal bulb development. Plant in fall (by late October in northern regions) or spring in southern areas, then watch as this variety reaches maturity right on schedule for late-season harvest.
6
Full Sun
Moderate
3-9
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
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Mount Hood garlic carries centuries of folklore about strength and courage, stories that modern science now validates through its proven immune-boosting and cardiovascular benefits. The visual clue to ripeness is elegant and simple: harvest when the top 4-5 leaves remain slightly green while lower leaves dry and tops begin falling over. This timing precision prevents premature bulb splitting and ensures optimal storage life.
Mount Hood garlic shines in any kitchen where fresh, potent garlic is essential. Raw cloves bring intense flavor to dressings and marinades, while roasted bulbs become creamy and mild enough for spreading on bread. Traditional medicine has long valued garlic for immune support and cardiovascular health, uses that contemporary research continues to support.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Separate garlic bulbs into individual cloves just before planting. In northern regions, plant by the end of October, allowing 6-8 weeks of growth before the ground freezes to establish roots. Southern regions may plant as late as March. Plant cloves pointy-end up at a depth that covers them with about 1-2 inches of soil.
Begin checking for mature bulbs in late June if you planted in fall. For spring-planted garlic, use the variety's days to maturity to estimate your harvest window. The key visual cue is unmistakable: harvest when the top 4-5 leaves are still slightly green while lower leaves have dried completely and the tops begin to fall over. Dig up a sample bulb first to confirm the cloves have separated properly before harvesting your entire crop. Timing is critical; harvest before the leaves are completely dry to prevent bulb splitting and ensure the best storage quality.
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