How to Grow Drumstick Onion
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Drumstick Onion
Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon
vegetableDrumstick onion, also known as serpent garlic or Chinese artichoke garlic, is a rare variety of garlic that produces coiled, snake-like scapes instead of traditional flower heads. These edible scapes resemble drumsticks or serpents and are prized for their mild garlic flavor and tender texture. The plant also produces small bulbs underground similar to regular garlic.
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Example Drumstick Onion timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Drumstick Onion
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Drumstick Onion
Around Nov 8≈ 240 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Drumstick Onion dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-7, with cold winters needed for proper bulb development
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Dormancy & Sprouting
4-6 weeks dormancy, sprouting in springCloves are planted in fall and require a cold period (vernalization) of 4-8 weeks at temperatures below 45°F to trigger bulb formation. New shoots emerge in early spring.
Plant in October-November in cold climates. Mulch heavily (3-4 inches) with straw or leaves to insulate against extreme cold and retain moisture.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeks (April-May in northern zones)Plant develops 6-8 long, slender green leaves. Root system strengthens and underground cloves begin dividing. Growth is vigorous in spring.
Ensure consistent watering and apply balanced fertilizer or compost tea in spring. Remove any flower buds that form on regular garlic types, but for drumstick onion, allow scape formation.
Scape Development
3-4 weeks (May-June)The distinctive coiled, serpent-like scapes emerge from the center of the plant, curling and twisting as they grow. Scapes reach 12-20 inches long and remain tender for 2-3 weeks.
Harvest scapes when they have formed one or two loose coils but before they become woody. Harvesting directs energy back to bulb development. Clean scapes immediately and refrigerate.
Bulb Maturation
6-8 weeks (June-July)After scape harvest, the plant focuses energy on bulb development underground. Foliage gradually yellows and dries from the bottom upward. Bulbs firm up and papery skin develops.
Reduce watering as foliage dies back. Stop watering about 2-3 weeks before harvest. Do not fertilize during this stage. Avoid damaging leaves as they protect developing bulbs.
Harvest & Curing
Harvest timing + 2-3 weeks curingWhen 60-70% of foliage has turned brown and dried, bulbs are ready. Bulbs are dug up with attached dried stems for curing.
Harvest in dry weather if possible. Cure bulbs in a warm (70-80°F), well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until papery skin is fully dry. Store in cool (50-60°F), dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants, apply spinosad if infestation occurs, practice crop rotation, destroy infested bulbs
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, maintain adequate watering to reduce stress, remove affected leaves
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No chemical cure available; practice strict crop rotation (7-year cycle), remove and destroy infected bulbs immediately, disinfect tools, improve drainage
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, apply sulfur dust if necessary
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Plant in well-draining soil, rotate crops, solarize soil if possible, grow resistant varieties
Uses
Tender Scape Harvest
CulinaryDrumstick onion scapes are the primary harvest, prized for their tender texture and mild, sweet garlic flavor. They can be chopped and used fresh in salads, stir-fried, grilled, pickled, or added to soups and pasta dishes. [source]
Bulb Cloves
CulinaryThe underground bulbs produce smaller cloves than standard garlic varieties, but with a more refined, less pungent flavor. Use them roasted, in pestos, or for flavoring oils. [source]
Immune Support
MedicinalLike all garlic varieties, drumstick onion contains compounds believed to support immune function and cardiovascular health. Fresh scapes retain more heat-sensitive compounds than cooked bulbs. [source]
Natural Pest Deterrent
HouseholdFresh scapes and bulbs can be used to create garlic-based pest sprays or planted as a companion to repel aphids, spider mites, and other garden pests. [source]
Ornamental Garden Feature
CraftThe striking coiled scapes make drumstick onion an attractive addition to decorative vegetable gardens. Scapes can be dried and used in floral arrangements. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scapes are best harvested when they have begun to curl into loose spirals but before they harden—typically 2-3 weeks after emergence. Cut scapes 1-2 inches above the plant base to allow regrowth. For bulbs, wait until foliage is 50-70% brown and dry. Dig carefully to avoid bruising. Cure bulbs properly before storing for best flavor development and shelf life (8-10 months possible with proper curing).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Drumstick onion is an ancient, heirloom variety that was nearly lost to cultivation but has been revived by specialty seed savers. It's also known as 'serpent garlic' or 'Chinese artichoke garlic' because the scapes resemble snakes or drumsticks.
- 🌱 The coiled scapes can perform multiple coils as they grow, and some growers collect the interesting spirals as unique culinary garnishes before cooking—each scape has a distinctive spiral pattern.
- 🌱 Unlike hardneck garlic varieties that you might think produce these scapes, drumstick onion is technically a variant of softneck garlic (Allium sativum) that has been selected for centuries to produce these dramatic, edible scapes instead of traditional flower heads.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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