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January
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April
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June
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September
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October
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November
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December
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Sowing
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Harvest
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There are two basic
types of garlic, Hardneck and Softneck. The easiest way to distinguish between
them is that if the stem at the top of the bulb is soft and papery, it is a
softneck. Much of the commercially grown garlic is of the softneck type. This
means that it does not produce a flowering stalk.
Softnecks tend to
have, more but smaller cloves and longer shelf lives than the hardnecks.
Hardneck varieties
produce a hard floral spike (stick garlic). You can encourage a larger bulb by
cutting the flowering head when it emerges. Hardnecks, have an exceptional
flavour, and are said to have a truer garlic taste, the cloves are also
relatively easy to peel.
Plant from late
October to November 3-4
inches deep. unless otherwise stated, in light free draining soil in a sunny
position. Space 10 to 15 cm (4 - 6") apart with rows 23cm (9") apart.
Garlic bulbs can be Pink, Purple
and White, with various strengths and flavour.
Initially you should start off with
certified disease free bulbs, after that you can grow Garlic from your own
stock, as they adapt to conditions over time.
Plant Garlic upright using
the larger outer cloves from your bulbs, discarding any weaklings.
Harvest when the leaves go yellow,
then dry in a ventilated shed.
EARLY WIGHT
Produced on the Isle
of Wight, ideal for British conditions. The earliest British variety, strong
purple colouring. Very welcome as the first fresh garlic of the year, will keep
for three months but best used fresh. Autumn planting. Hardneck.
PURPLE WIGHT
Produced on the Isle
of Wight, ideal for British conditions. Matures between Early Wight and Solent
Wight. Large white bulbs with some purple flecking. Autumn planting. Hardneck.
SOLENT WIGHT
Produced on the Isle
of Wight, ideal for British conditions. Latest maturing. Very long keeper.
Softneck type. Suitable for autumn or spring planting.
MEDITERRANEAN
Autumn planting.
Harvest the large bulbs June-July. Good yields and fine flavour Softneck.
ALBIGENSIAN WIGHT
Autumn planting. A new
larger (600mm+), white softneck type with purple tint from South West France.
Can be planted up to January, although recommended planting before December for
June harvest, should store until February-March. Softneck.
ELEPHANT
Huge bulbs with milder
flavour. Plant as standard garlic but increase spacing to 30cm (12”) apart.
Plants can grow to approximately 120-150cm (4-5’) tall and you should remove
the purple flowerhead as this will encourage larger bulbs. Autumn planting
recommended, although Elephant garlic may be planted up until February, although
the likelihood of producing a solid bulb (instead of a bulb with cloves) is
increased. This solid bulb can be replanted in the autumn to produce a bulb with
cloves the following summer. Hardneck. |
