Russian Purple Garlic

?? Garlic 'Russian Purple' (3 bulbs) – Robust winter garlic with a strong taste ? Submitted by Van Noort

'Russian Purple' garlic is a hardneck garlic variety known for its cold resistance and strong , very aromatic flavor. It forms large purple heads containing 6 to 8 well-formed cloves, easy to peel. Highly appreciated in cooking for its power, it is also a solid ally for gardeners in cool regions. 'Russian Purple' garlic for drained soil and sunny exposure , it is planted in the fall and harvested in the summer. Robust, easy to grow and very decorative, it keeps for a long time once dried. An old and reliable variety, full of character. ??

?? Characteristics of 'Russian Purple' garlic

?? Height : 50 to 70 cm
?? Exposure : Full sun
?? Hardiness : Excellent, special cold climate
?? Pollinators : Not concerned
?? Water requirements : Moderate, well-drained soil
?? Ideal soil : Light, fertile, draining
?? Quantity : 3 bulbs (approximately 15 to 20 cloves to plant)

?? Planting and growing 'Russian Purple' garlic

?? When to plant?
??? In the fall (October to November)

?? in open ground:
?? Perfect for rustic vegetable gardens, productive borders
?? Combine with strawberries, lettuce, carrots, beets

?? in a pot:
?? Possible in a deep, well-drained container
?? Ideal for balcony or sunny terrace

?? How to plant?
1?? Depth : 4 to 5 cm, point upwards
2?? Spacing : 10 to 15 cm
3?? Watering : Light at first, almost useless after that

?? Tip : Cut the flower scapes to concentrate the energy in the bulb.

??Care for 'Russian Purple' garlic

?? Watering : Moderate until seeds come up
?? Fertilizer : Compost or well-ripened manure before planting
?? Harvest : End of June to July, when the leaves turn yellow
?? Wintering : No care required, very hardy

?? Why choose 'Russian Purple' garlic?

? Flavor : Strong, powerful, very aromatic
? Use : Strong cooking, roasted garlic, strong condiments
? Hardiness : Ideal for harsh winters
? Maintenance : Easy, long-lasting

? Grow garlic with character and tradition with 'Russian Purple' garlic, offered by Van Noort. Perfect for those who love bold flavors and robust vegetable gardens. ?

?? Associations : Strawberries, spinach, lettuce, carrots, tomatoes — for a natural and beneficial culture. ??

? Understand everything about the types of garlic: hardneck, porcelain, rocambole… ?

Under their white, mauve or coppery skins, cultivated garlic hides an astonishing diversity! They are often classified into two main families: hardneck garlic and softneck garlic , with subcategories as pretty as their names: porcelain , rocambole , turbans , etc. Here is a little guide to help you find your way around:

?? Hardneck garlic: the hardy ones of the North

These garlics have a rigid flower stem in the center of the bulb. They are best suited to cool climates , very hardy, and often have large, well-formed cloves around the heart. They include:

• Porcelain garlic (like Duganski): few cloves (4 to 6), very large, firm flesh, excellent storage , strong aroma. White or purple bulbs.

• Rocambole garlic : complex flavor, thinner skin, keeps a little less long but is more subtle in cooking .

• Purple or mauve garlic : beautiful ridged skin, rich aroma, often spectacular bulbs.
  ?? Special feature : they produce a garlic flower (flower stalk), edible, to be harvested young as a delicacy.

?? Softneck garlic: the classics of the South

Without a rigid central stem, these garlics form a bulb that is often richer in cloves and smaller in size. Ideal for mild climates , they braid easily and store well. They sometimes have a milder flavor , perfect for everyday cooking.

• Examples: White garlic from Lomagne , pink garlic from Lautrec , pink garlic from Auvergne

• Perfect for spring or fall planting in warmer regions.

?? And in the garden?
Hardneck garlic is best planted in the fall ; it is more hardy and its flowering (the famous garlic flower) is a little culinary bonus. Softneck garlic is more flexible when it comes to planting, but does not like long winters.

?? A little natural magic : whatever the type, if you leave a few bulbs in place, they will multiply from year to year . A true companion culture, faithful and generous.