Softneck Cultivars Grown By The Garlic Clubb
Italian
Artichokes
Artichoke cultivars are among the most productive and least problematic. They are early maturing, readily develop very large bulbs, and adapt to a wide range of growing conditions and soils. They rarely produce scapes which results in the plant directing most of its energies to bulb development rather than to reproduction – scapes. Bolting cultivars often require removal of the flower stalk to achieve the largest bulbs and greatest productivity. From the standpoint of a large-scale commercial grower, Artichokes are an easily grown, heavy producing garlic that does not need the additional labor-intensive step of scape removal. This favors Artichoke garlic at the expense of all bolting hardneck garlic. Artichoke cultivars are by far the most commonly grown commercial garlic. Most of the garlic in the supermarket is from the Artichoke group. The flavors are familiar, but have a bit of a vegetative element rather than the richer deeper characters of some of the other horticultural groups.
Additional Artichoke that The Garlic Clubb will add in 2017:
Artichoke cultivars are among the most productive and least problematic. They are early maturing, readily develop very large bulbs, and adapt to a wide range of growing conditions and soils. They rarely produce scapes which results in the plant directing most of its energies to bulb development rather than to reproduction – scapes. Bolting cultivars often require removal of the flower stalk to achieve the largest bulbs and greatest productivity. From the standpoint of a large-scale commercial grower, Artichokes are an easily grown, heavy producing garlic that does not need the additional labor-intensive step of scape removal. This favors Artichoke garlic at the expense of all bolting hardneck garlic. Artichoke cultivars are by far the most commonly grown commercial garlic. Most of the garlic in the supermarket is from the Artichoke group. The flavors are familiar, but have a bit of a vegetative element rather than the richer deeper characters of some of the other horticultural groups.
- Sicilian Gold - A popular Italian softneck garlic that has nice white skin producing creamy white cloves in purple wrappers. It delivers a mild to moderate flavor and is a great variety for braiding. In very cold climates, some plants may bolt or form scapes in the stem. However, these generally do not need to be removed for good bulb size. Bulbs have a good consistent size and have 10 to 14 cloves. Requires good fertility (particularly high Nitrogen) to size up properly. Should be harvested early once the first leaf or two have started to brown. Stores for up to a year.
- Kettle River Giant - Kettle River Giant is a highly productive cultivar. As the name suggests, it can produce very big bulbs, with similarly large cloves. In some cases, the bulbs can exceed 4 inches in diameter! It originates in the Kettle River area in NE Washington, near the Canadian border. This is one of the more flavorful varieties of softneck garlic and it stores very well, 8+ months. It has a rich full taste and is usually ready to harvest early to mid-season along with other Artichoke varieties. Can grow in warmer climates.
Additional Artichoke that The Garlic Clubb will add in 2017:
- Inchellium Red
Western Rose
Silverskins
They are the last garlics to mature each season and they store the longest – 10+ months. There is a great range of tastes, pungency and onset of pungency, clove color, leaf color and size as well as time of maturity. They make a good addition if you like to spread out your Garlic harvest. Silverskin bulbs are smaller than those of Artichokes, but they have a large number of cloves per bulb, easily 10 plus. The cloves are arrayed in multiple layers. many of the inner cloves are often tall, slender, and small. The outer cloves are relatively large, flattened on the interior side, and tallish, with rounded corners and a graceful curvature that helps form the teardrop shape of the bulb. The outer cloves may be quite thin and wide in some cultivars. The bulb wrappers are white but may have yellow or tan veining. Clove skins range from white to tan, prominently pink-blushed, or even reddish purplish. Silverskins are popular with supermarkets because of their long shelf life. The flavours of Silverskins are typically hot and aggressive. If you like your garlic strong, this is the Garlic for you! No other garlics braid better than Silverskins.
Additional Silverskin that The Garlic Clubb will add in 2017:
They are the last garlics to mature each season and they store the longest – 10+ months. There is a great range of tastes, pungency and onset of pungency, clove color, leaf color and size as well as time of maturity. They make a good addition if you like to spread out your Garlic harvest. Silverskin bulbs are smaller than those of Artichokes, but they have a large number of cloves per bulb, easily 10 plus. The cloves are arrayed in multiple layers. many of the inner cloves are often tall, slender, and small. The outer cloves are relatively large, flattened on the interior side, and tallish, with rounded corners and a graceful curvature that helps form the teardrop shape of the bulb. The outer cloves may be quite thin and wide in some cultivars. The bulb wrappers are white but may have yellow or tan veining. Clove skins range from white to tan, prominently pink-blushed, or even reddish purplish. Silverskins are popular with supermarkets because of their long shelf life. The flavours of Silverskins are typically hot and aggressive. If you like your garlic strong, this is the Garlic for you! No other garlics braid better than Silverskins.
- Nootka Rose - Nootka Rose garlic is an heirloom softneck Silverskin that came from the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Nootka Rose Farm in Waldron, Washington is generally credited with popularizing the variety. Bulbs are large for a Silverskin and will typically have 15-20 cloves. The bulb wrappers are very white although the clove wrappers are rose-tinged and can be strikingly beautiful. Nootka Rose is a favorite with many growers because it is visually very appealing and can be easily braided. It is the last cultivar to fully mature, in late July/early August. This late maturation and long storage time helps stretch out the selling season as far as having fresh garlic available for sale late into the year. It has a bold, robust taste with medium to hot flavor.
Additional Silverskin that The Garlic Clubb will add in 2017:
- Western Rose
Photo credits: http://www.rasacreekfarm.com/