Persian Star Garlic
Persian Star is a hardneck garlic variety belonging to the Purple Stripe subgroup, known for its attractive appearance and mild, yet rich flavor. This heirloom garlic, originally from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, was introduced to the US in the late 1980s.
Its beautiful bulbs boast a white outer skin with inner cloves streaked with vibrant purple. Persian Star is a versatile culinary choice, delicious roasted, baked, or even enjoyed raw in pestos and dressings. It stores well, allowing you to savor its delightful flavor long after harvest.
*Garlic is sold by the clove rather than by the head, enabling us to thoroughly inspect each clove to ensure its quality and to guarantee that there are no signs of mold or undesirable cloves.
Botanical Name:
Allium sativum
Neck Type:
Hard
Planting Depth:
2"- 4"
Spacing:
5"-6" apart
Germination Temperature:
Garlic shoots exhibit resilience, withstanding air temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit without harm. However, it's important to note that when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a risk of shoot dieback and suboptimal bulb development. Therefore, it's advisable to maintain a protective layer of mulch until temperatures consistently rise to more favorable levels.
Utilization:
Italian red garlic is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your everyday cooking. Its robust flavor and subtle heat make it perfect for roasting, adding to sauces and soups, or using in stir-fries and sautés.
To really showcase its unique qualities, try making garlic bread, adding it to pizza, or creating a compound butter. You can even pickle the cloves for a tangy treat. Remember to store your garlic in a cool, dry place and remove the germ before use. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, Italian red garlic is a delicious way to add depth and complexity to your dishes.
Thai Fire garlic also shines in sauces and marinades, adding depth and complexity to your culinary creations. Don't be afraid to experiment! This garlic is delicious with bold and spicy flavors, but also complements rich ingredients like roasted meats or creamy cheeses.
Container Friendly:
Yes
Frost Tolerant:
Yes
Maturity Days:
270
Growing Instructions:
How To Grow Garlic:
Step 1: Choose the Right Garlic
Variety: There are two main types: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic produces scapes (curly flower stalks) and has larger cloves, while softneck garlic stores longer and is often found in grocery stores. Choose varieties that grow well in your climate.
Cloves: Select large, healthy cloves from a fresh garlic bulb. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots.
Step 2: Timing is Everything
Fall Planting (Ideal): Plant garlic cloves in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. This allows them to develop strong roots before winter.
Spring Planting: If you miss the fall window, you can plant in early spring, but fall planting generally yields bigger bulbs.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Garlic doesn't like to sit in water.
Soil Quality: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Garlic prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0).
Step 4: Plant the Cloves
Separate: Gently separate the cloves from the bulb.
Planting Depth: Plant cloves 2-4 inches deep, pointy end up.
Spacing: Space cloves apart per their respective varieties, this will be in the instructions.
Step 5: Mulch and Water
Mulch: After planting, apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch (straw, leaves, or shredded bark) to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the cloves from freezing temperatures.
Water: Water the garlic regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot.
Step 6: Ongoing Care
Weed Control: Keep the garlic bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Fertilize: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring if needed.
Scapes: If you're growing hardneck garlic, remove the scapes (flower stalks) in early summer. This redirects energy to bulb development.
Step 7: Harvesting
Timing: Garlic is usually ready to harvest in mid to late summer, when the lower leaves begin to brown.
Digging: Carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork and lift them out.
Curing: Bundle the garlic plants or spread them out in a well-ventilated, shady area to cure for 2-3 weeks. This allows the bulbs to dry and the flavor to develop.
Step 8: Storage
Clean: Once cured, brush off any excess dirt and trim the roots and tops.
Store: Store garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Braiding softneck garlic is a traditional storage method.
Extra Tips:
Crop Rotation: Avoid planting garlic in the same spot year after year to prevent disease buildup.
Save the Best: Save some of your largest, healthiest bulbs to plant for next year's crop.
Enjoy: Use your homegrown garlic in all your favorite recipes!
