Martin (or anyone else): garlic question

[SueMc]

I'm awaiting the garlic harvest at the "we grow garlic" farm and will be placing an order. Do you or anyone else recommend any "must haves" ? I have plenty of room and thought I'd probably try about six varieties. I will be a first time garlic grower.
Thank you.

[farmerstac]

Its all a matter of personal taste. Their are hundreds of varies I planted several different varieties this past fall it was easy to grow. It sprouted during the winter poping its head above the mulch everyone told me let it be and I did. It took of like wild fire sending up 4' stalks. I was just out yesterday looking at it admiring all the bublis it was producing when the wind blew they started to fall so I took it a sign they were ready so I grabbed a collection bag and gently shook each stalk I collected quite a few. Now I can not wait to see what the actual heads look like.

Stacy

[Paquebot]

If you want 6 which I would recommend, they would have to be those which I have actually grown. Since I've yet to find one I didn't like, I'd have to list all 30 or so. Of those, 4 hardnecks would be Asian Tempest, Carpathian, Siberian, and Spanish Roja. Those are all dependable and above average taste. Two softnecks would be Inchelium Red and Silver Rose for the same reason. However, I'd also include Tzan as another impressive softneck. I'd recommend Martin's as an impressive rocambole hardneck but doesn't always do well in heavy soils and definitely doesn't like a lot of rain at the wrong time.

Martin

[Ray]

if you've never grown an elephant garlic, I recommend trying it at least once, it is huge, large, and nicely mild, a clove is as large as a normal whole bulb, but sweet and delicious, if you are a garlic lover I think you'll find it in your garden for life., with a bulb easily as big as a softball, best wishes, ray

[Paquebot]

Only problem with elephant garlic is that it takes two years to get a decent bulb in my part of the North. That's why you won't find it at WeGrowGarlic. No matter how big the original clove is, 9 out of 10 will result in just a round. But what a round! I've had some which were 4" across and not a hint of division. When those are planted back, some monster bulbs are the result.

Martin

[SueMc]

Thanks for the recommendations (incl. the elephant garlic!) I actually picked out some of Martin's recommendations just by reading the catalog descriptions.
Sue

[bowdonkey]

How does New York White rate Martin? It was recomended by an area grower. Please excuse me for the thread theft.

[Paquebot]

Haven't grown New York White. All I know of it is from WeGrowGarlic. I can't recall it being anything special or size. Listed as averaging 6 cloves so they would be large with probably just one interior clove. Supposedly very winter-hardy so it would work where you are.

Martin

[unregistered6474]

I like a hardneck variety called "Music." It stores very well and the large cloves are easy to peel.