Kettle River Giant

Garlic

Zone 8b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Kettle River Giant

🌱 240d to harvest Bulbing

Sink your senses into Kettle River Giant’s bold, lingering aroma—rich, pungent, and unmistakably hardneck. At maturity, it forms …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	Oct 7th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	240
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bulbing
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	25
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Little Leprechaun Lettuce

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Allium sativum (garlic), and how can I manage it?

One common issue is white rot (Sclerotium cepivorum), which causes yellowing, wilting, and white fungal growth on roots and the base of the bulb. Remove and discard affected plants, avoid replanting garlic or other Allium in the same bed for 7–10 years, and keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to reduce stress. If you spot early symptoms, dig out plants promptly to limit spread.

How often should I water Allium sativum during the main growing phase?

During active leaf growth and bulb development, water deeply about 1 inch per week, adjusting for rainfall, so the soil stays consistently moist but drains well. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent bulb-base rots. In the final 3–4 weeks before harvest, taper off watering to keep the bulbs from staying too wet.

How do I tell when Kettle River Giant garlic (Allium sativum) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the lower leaves have yellowed and died back to about 3–5 green leaves remaining, typically around 240 days from planting. Stop watering once the tops are drying down, and lift bulbs on a dry day so skins aren’t coated with wet soil. If you gently brush away soil, mature bulbs should feel firm and well-filled with distinct cloves.

Sink your senses into Kettle River Giant’s bold, lingering aroma—rich, pungent, and unmistakably hardneck. At maturity, it forms large, well-filled bulbs with a creamy, satiny texture and deep clove character that shines when roasted for mellow sweetness or used fresh for bright, assertive flavor in sauces and pickles. A standout for gardeners who want impressive size and dependable performance, Kettle River Giant rewards with a confident harvest and a pantry-worthy presence.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 25°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant softneck garlic cloves in fall so they experience winter chilling; in spring, pull mulch back and keep soil evenly moist until scapes/bulbs mature.