garlic varieties 2012
DESCRIPTION
Updated list of garlic grown by Gwenfar's Lottie (http://gwenfarslottie.blogspot.co.uk) in 2012.TRANSCRIPT
1
Garlic Varieties 2012
Key: H = Hardneck S = Softneck st = Can be stored
(non-storing variety) (storing variety) (some hardnecks may
have storage traits)
Note: URL is from where I managed to find info about each garlic on the web (as of
17Sep12).
Arno (S, st) (no longer growing)
http://www.shrubs.co.uk/french-garlic---arno--tr-14959-p.asp
A first-class softneck variety whose ivory-white skins contain a feast of attractive
pink cloves with a medium garlic flavour.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 16 15 7-9 ea Mild garlic – need to use a couple of
cloves per dish.
2011 The 2011 crop wasn’t great, much
smaller bulbs/cloves, as such a mild
garlic, decided not to grow again.
Flavour
Mild flavour. Storage
Good storage, at least 6 months.
2
Burgundy (H) (no longer growing)
http://www.filareefarm.com/seed-garlic-for-sale/BURGUNDY.html
Deep solid burgundy cloves, 8 to 12 cloves per bulb. Very striking and medium to
large bulbs. Clove tips not elongated like other Creole strains and the colours are
darker.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 9 8-10 Small cloves
2011 Small cloves again, despite the above
comments from Filaree. Decided to pass
on to others as felt the cloves were too
small and fiddly.
Flavour
Storage
4-5 months
3
Estonian Red (H)
http://www.wegrowgarlic.com/7422.html
Originally a variety from Denmark, it’s said to be the largest bulb sized variety grown
there.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 2 7-8 1 medium bulb, 1 large.
2012 Did well in the very wet conditions and
the heavy Oxford clay, of 2012. A
reliable variety.
Flavour
Medium strength. Storage
4-5 months. Will last longer but does go
softer (so probably loses some of its
potency).
4
Georgia Crystal (H, st) (no longer growing)
http://www.thegarlicstore.com/products/Certified-Organic-Garlic-Georgia-
Crystal.html
A pretty porcelain garlic can produce large bulbs but only with a half dozen or so
large cloves. The wrapper is clean, firm and white in colour. The flavour is relatively
mild, even when eaten raw. A good storing bulb for a hardneck.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No. cloves JGP Notes
2010 5 4 Small bulbs.
2011 Very small bulbs/cloves again.
Decided to pass on to other rather
than grow again myself.
Flavour
Mild flavour. Storage
c.4 months. Will last a bit longer but will go
soft.
5
Georgia Fire Garlic (H)
http://www.thegarlicstore.com/products/Certified-Organic-Garlic-Georgia-Fire.html
This porcelain hardneck's garlic name should not scare anyone away. It is hot but not
unpleasantly so - and is great in homemade salsa. It produces about 6 large cloves per
bulb. Easy to peel. It is also called Cichisdzhvari … obviously easier to pronounce if
you are a citizen of Georgia (where so many great garlics have originated).
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 8 3-4 Medium sized cloves
2012 Did well in 2012 wet weather. I find the
flavour to be not as hot as Garlic Store
suggests, but strong enough to give a
good flavour to any dish. Reliable
cropping in UK.
Flavour
Medium strength. Usually use a
couple of cloves per dish.
Storage
c. 4 months.
6
Gypsy Red (H) (no longer growing)
http://www.garlicsmiths.com/porcelains.php
This lovely Romanian heirloom garlic produces large, tall white bulbs with four to six
extremely large purple and tan cloves. Gypsy Red has a hot, strong, lasting flavour
that mellows with cooking, and tastes superb when cooked with chicken.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 8 c. 5 Medium sized cloves
2011 Very small bulbs/cloves again. Decided
to pass on to other rather than grow
again myself.
Flavour
Medium-hot Storage
c. 4 months.
7
Irkutsk (no longer growing)
Was not able to find info about this on the web.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 4 5 1Sep10: used in Courgette fritters. Large
cloves and very very strong. Need to cut
cloves in 1/4 to use.
2011 Sep11: Decided just too strong for us
and gave all bulbs/cloves away. Does
have large cloves.
Flavour
Very very strong Storage
Good for c. 4-5 months, after that will go
soft and/or risks getting mould.
8
Martin's Heirloom (H)
http://garlicstonefarm.com/products-page-2/hardneck-garlic/martins-old-heirloom/
Large, blue and purple striping on the skins. And, it’s as tasty as it is pretty.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 9 7-9 Medium bulbs, plus bulbils
2012 Some were affected by the wet weather
of 2012. Those that came up were a mix
of good sizes and small sizes. Will
continue to grow as good medium
flavour and stores well.
Flavour
Medium Storage
c. 5 months, plus longer but goes softer (so
probably loses some of its potency).
9
Metechi (H, st)
http://thegarlicstore.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_29&
products_id=102
This fiery little bulb gives high powered garlic flavour. This purple stripe hardneck
garlic probably originated in the Republic of Georgia. It has lots of character and a
nice finish. The bulbs produce a few very plump cloves which store well.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 11 6 Medium-large cloves, plus bulbils. Used
Oct10 – quite strong – only need ½
clove in dish for 2-4 people (depending
on how strong you want it)
2012 Was quiet effected by the wet conditions
and produced smaller bulbs. Will
continue to grow (using best from this
year) and see if I can get a better crop
next year. Has a strong but not
overpowering flavour and stores well.
Flavour
Medium-strong Storage
c. 5-6 months (maybe longer but probably
loses some of its potency).
10
Music (H)
http://thegarlicstore.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_29&
products_id=97
One of the most popular of the new varieties. The bulbs can be rather large and the
cloves have a beautiful pink skin. It is grown throughout the northern US where it is
prized for its perky flavour.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 10 4-5 Medium-large cloves
2012 One of my favourites. Did well in wet
weather producing a good crop of decent
sized bulbs. Stores well and lovely
flavour.
Flavour
Medium, really nice flavour.
Storage
c. 5 or more months (so probably loses some
of its potency beyond 5 months).
11
Persian Star (H)
http://www.thegarlicstore.com/products/Certified-Organic-Garlic-Persian-Star.html
This beautiful purple stripe hardneck garlic has a piquant, rich garlic flavour. The
large cloves have red tips. It is reported this variety came to the U.S. in the 1980s via
a bazaar in Uzbekistan. (the garlic store)
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 10 7 Small bulbs
2012 Medium. Does well in clay soil and
survived the awful rainy 2012 weather to
produce a decent crop compared to some
other varieties during this season.
Flavour
Medium strength, good flavour Storage
This stores reasonably well for a hardneck.
Really good quality for 4-5 months, but will
last longer, though cloves do go a bit softer
(so probably loses some of its potency).
12
Purple Glazer (H) (no longer growing)
http://www.gourmetgarlicgardens.com/purplestripes.htm#anchorpurpleglazer
A nice, easy-to-peel and easy-to-like purple stripe garlic. Pretty wrappers around a tan
clove skin. Pleasant taste, with some heat, but not overbearing.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 10 8 Small-medium bulbs.
2011 Loved the colour, but quite small
bulbs/cloves and fiddly to cook with.
Needed to use several cloves per dish.
Decided to pass on to others.
Flavour
Mild
Storage
c. 4 months
13
Rosewood (H, st)
http://thegarlicstore.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=
111
This is a beautiful, large-cloved porcelain garlic usually produces just three or four fat
cloves per bulb. Its white wrapper surrounds large, pink hued cloves. Very easy to
peel and has a rather long shelf life. It’s pretty hot, and cold winters don’t faze it.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 2 5-6 Large bulbs
2012 Bulb not as large as previous, probably
effected by wet weather. Has been a
really good grower in the pass, so
keeping the best and growing again next
year.
Flavour
Medium Storage
c. 5-6 months.
14
Silver Rose (S, st)
http://thegarlicstore.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&
products_id=29
This silvery skinned artichoke variety bulb is a classic. The rosy-skin bulbs have both
large and small cloves. They have some heat, but are not overwhelming. They size up
just beautifully in your garden. And they are good keepers. Most will be eaten long
before the following spring, but a 8 or 9 month shelf life is possible.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010
12 5-6 Small-medium bulbs
2012 Medium bulbs, did well in wet
conditions of 2012. Very reliable, looks
good and stores well.
Flavour
Mild-medium.
Storage
c. 6 months, maybe longer
15
Solent Wight (S, st)
http://thegarlicfarm.co.uk/Solent-Wight-Seed-x-4-Bulbs-C600CBDBB9.aspx
A popular selection that is well adapted to the British climate and gives a good crop of
large bulbs with plump tasty cloves. Expect to start harvesting in July from a
November planting - once the foliage starts to turn yellow and dry.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 24 14 7-9 Not sure about why just under half
didn’t survive. Medium bulbs. Mild
garlic – need to use a couple of cloves
per dish.
2012 A British variety by the Garlic Farm. I
don’t get as big cloves as they do, I think
the heavy clay soil isn’t it’s favourite.
But it is generally reliable and really
good storage. Good as one to carry you
through to the following season.
Flavour
Mild-Medium. Good in pasta sauces. Storage
c. 8 months. Can last until the following
year’s crops, though softer bulbs/cloves by
then.
16
Susan Delafield (H)
http://www.garlicfarm.ca/porcelain-garlic.htm#susan
Susan Delafield is one of our hottest garlics. It grows tall, produces large bulbs, and is
more tolerant of wet conditions than most garlic varieties.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 5 5-6 Used late Oct 10 - Medium-strong
flavour. Use ½ clove per dish for 2.
2012 Some rotted in the ground, but those that
did well were good size garlics.
Obviously doesn’t like heavy wet clay,
compared to Garlic Farm the comments
above from the US.
Will continue to grow as flavour good.
Flavour
Strong, but not an overpowering
flavour.
Storage
c. 3 months. One to use quickly.
17
Vekak Czech (H)
http://www.filareefarm.com/seed-garlic-for-sale/VEKAK.html
The Czech Republic is home to this exciting new purple stripe hardneck garlic. Large
bulbs contained 10 to 12 ample cloves. This garlic has a taste which may well be
considered to improve with cooking.
Year No. bulbs
sown
No. bulbs
harvested
No.
cloves
JGP Notes
2010 7 4-5 Small bulbs
2011 Very small bulbs again. Probably
doesn’t like the heavy Oxford clay.
Decided not to grow anymore as found
too fiddly for cooking. Passed on.
Flavour
Medium-strong Storage
c. 4-5 months.