Inchelium Red Garlic (Allium sativum)
Description:
Inchelium Red is a softneck heirloom garlic variety renowned for its rich, robust flavor and long storage life. Originally discovered on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington state, it has become a favorite among garlic growers due to its mild to medium flavor that intensifies when roasted or cooked. The large bulbs are composed of layers of plump cloves, with a reddish-brown to purple hue on the skins. It’s an adaptable and hardy variety, making it suitable for a variety of climates and growing conditions.
Plant Details:
- Type of Plant: Softneck garlic (Allium sativum), Allium family.
- Flavor Profile: Mild to medium heat when raw, with a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor when cooked.
Cold Hardy Zone:
USDA Zones 4-9.
Soil Requirements:
Inchelium Red garlic prefers loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Sandy loam soils with a neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0) are ideal. Heavy or compacted soils can hinder bulb development, so adding compost or sand can improve soil structure.
Light Requirements:
Full sun. Garlic requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce large, healthy bulbs.
Water Requirements:
Moderate water needs. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Reduce watering as the garlic matures and the tops begin to yellow to avoid waterlogging, which can cause rot.
Fertilizer Requirements:
Garlic benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in its growth. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time and again in spring. As the bulbs mature, reduce nitrogen to encourage bulb development rather than leaf growth.
Growth Rate:
Moderate to fast-growing. Inchelium Red garlic is typically planted in the fall, with bulbs maturing by late spring to early summer (around 240 days from planting to harvest).
Size at Maturity:
The bulbs can reach up to 3 inches in diameter and contain 8-20 cloves per bulb. The cloves are arranged in layers, with outer cloves being larger than the inner ones.
Harvest Time:
Harvest in mid to late summer, usually when the lower leaves begin to turn brown but a few green leaves remain on the plant.
Propagation Methods:
- Clove Planting: Separate cloves from the bulb and plant them individually, pointed end up, 2-3 inches deep and 6 inches apart.
- Fall Planting: Best planted in the fall for a summer harvest.
Plant Uses:
- Commonly used in cooking due to its versatile flavor that ranges from mild to bold depending on preparation. Excellent for roasting, sautéing, and adding to sauces or marinades.
- Can be braided for decorative purposes due to its softneck nature.
- Known for its long storage life (up to 9 months), making it ideal for keeping garlic on hand throughout the year.
