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.