Key Characteristics
- Appearance: Produces large, white bulbs often featuring pink or mauve tinting on the outer skins. Each bulb typically contains 8–15 plump, beige cloves.
- Flavor: Offers a mild to medium pungency that retains its strength well during cooking, making it versatile for roasting or fresh use.
- Type: A softneck variety, meaning it does not produce a central flowering stalk (scape) and is ideal for braiding.
- Yield: Renowned as an early and high-yielding variety.
Growing Guide
- Planting Window: Best planted in autumn (September to December) to allow for the cold period necessary for bulb development.
- Spacing: Plant individual cloves 10–15cm apart with 30cm between rows, at a depth of about 2.5–3cm (pointed end up).
- Ideal Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It is fully hardy and resistant to cold.
- Harvesting: Typically ready between June and August. Harvest when the bottom leaves begin to turn yellow and the stems start to collapse.
- Storage: Once cured in a dry, airy place, it stores well until February or later.
