There are two main types of garlic:Softneck (allium sativum var. sativum)
This is the variety most commonly found in
supermarkets as it keeps for longer and is
easier to grow. It has white, papery skin, a
large number of cloves and a flexible stalk.
There are two main varieties of softneck garlic
– artichoke and silverskin. The silverskin is
more common as it is easier to grow, while
the artichoke has a milder flavour
Hardneck (allium sativum var. ophioscorodon)
This variety has a stalk that emerges from the
top of the cloves to produce clusters of bubils,
sometimes called garlic flowers. It is generally
harder to grow than softneck garlic and does
not keep so well due to the thin nature of the
protective outer skin. The cloves are, however,
larger, fewer in number and have a better
flavour. The three main varieties of hardneck
garlic are rocambole, porcelain and purple
stripe. Rocambole has brownish cloves,
porcelain garlic is very white and has a few huge
cloves, and purple stripe’s distinguishing feature
is, well, fairly self-explanatory
This variety has a stalk that emerges from the
top of the cloves to produce clusters of bubils,
sometimes called garlic flowers. It is generally
harder to grow than softneck garlic and does
not keep so well due to the thin nature of the
protective outer skin. The cloves are, however,
larger, fewer in number and have a better
flavour. The three main varieties of hardneck
garlic are rocambole, porcelain and purple
stripe. Rocambole has brownish cloves,
porcelain garlic is very white and has a few huge
cloves, and purple stripe’s distinguishing feature
is, well, fairly self-explanatory
If you can spare the space and don’t mind the
appearance, garlic makes an excellent container
plant. Water regularly and use plenty of compost
and the plants will be more than happy!
appearance, garlic makes an excellent container
plant. Water regularly and use plenty of compost
and the plants will be more than happy!
It is possible to grow any of these five sorts of
garlic, although some may be more suited to
certain types of soil and climatic conditions than
others. Silverskins, porcelains and purple stripes,
whilst hardier than rocamboles, do not tolerate
hot, dry springs, although artichokes are likely to
survive almost anywhere. All in all it is reckoned
that there are now over 450 different varieties
of garlic for you to choose from.
garlic, although some may be more suited to
certain types of soil and climatic conditions than
others. Silverskins, porcelains and purple stripes,
whilst hardier than rocamboles, do not tolerate
hot, dry springs, although artichokes are likely to
survive almost anywhere. All in all it is reckoned
that there are now over 450 different varieties
of garlic for you to choose from.
Recent research has given an age-old piece of
gardening lore new credence. A study made by
a biologist from Newcastle University showed
that garlic provides a very effective antidote to
the unwanted attentions of slugs and snails. Its
heady aroma not only repels them, but also
actually causes them to shrivel and die within a
matter of hours. This trick was popular in
monastery gardens in the Middle Ages, when
monks used to shield precious plants by planting
a wall of garlic round them
gardening lore new credence. A study made by
a biologist from Newcastle University showed
that garlic provides a very effective antidote to
the unwanted attentions of slugs and snails. Its
heady aroma not only repels them, but also
actually causes them to shrivel and die within a
matter of hours. This trick was popular in
monastery gardens in the Middle Ages, when
monks used to shield precious plants by planting
a wall of garlic round them
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