Persian Star

Garlic

180d to harvest

Unfurl the unmistakable allure of Persian Star—hardneck garlic with a starry, jewel-like pattern of cloves wrapped in satin skins. Expect bold, aromatic flavor that turns savory and richly fragrant when roasted, with a firm, easy-to-peel texture that lends itself beautifully to robust sauces and pickling. Grow it for a cool-season harvest that rewards patience with deep, warming character and striking, star-formed bulbs.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 28th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	180
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bulbing
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	25
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects garlic (Allium sativum), and how can I manage it?

Garlic commonly suffers from white rot (Sclerotium cepivorum), which causes yellowing, stunted growth, and white fungal growth near the base. Remove and discard infected plants, avoid planting alliums in the same bed for years, and improve drainage because wet, dense soil favors outbreaks. If you see early symptoms, dig up affected cloves/plants promptly to reduce spread.

How often should I water Persian Star garlic during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main bulbing phase, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rain and wind. Water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before watering again to prevent rot around the developing cloves. As you near harvest, reduce watering so the wrappers can mature and dry.

How can I tell when Persian Star garlic (Allium sativum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when about 50–75% of the lower leaves have turned brown while the upper leaves still look green, typically near the 180-day mark for this type. Gently lift one plant to check: cloves should be plump and well-defined with skins that are papery. If you wait until all leaves brown, bulbs often split and store less reliably.