Winter garlic "GUATEMALAN IKEDA"

Allium sativum var sativum ssp silverskin subvar creole

Guatemalan Ikeda is an exotic winter garlic variety with especially large, meaty cloves and a pronounced, rich flavor. This variety stands out with its decorative purple-striped heads, high yield, and very good adaptability to different climatic conditions.

Thanks to its strong aroma and large, easily peeled cloves, Guatemalan Ikeda is popular both in professional gardens and in culinary use.
An ideal choice for those who want a large-headed, hardy, and visually attractive variety with a strong flavor profile.

History

Guatemalan Ikeda is a hardneck garlic variety of exotic origin that originated in Central America, especially Guatemala, where local farms have been cultivating local garlic lines in high mountain regions for decades. The variety is associated with small family farms that, since the mid-20th century, have selected lines with strong aroma and resistance to hot climates.

The origin of the name “Ikeda” is related to the introduction of garlic to the market between American and Japanese agronomists, who helped standardize the variety and bring it to international circulation. This name became a distinguishing mark for a specific Guatemalan mountain population, which stood out for:

  • rich, sharp flavor,

  • especially firm, purple-toned heads,

  • excellent adaptation to hot and humid climates.

From Guatemala, the variety slowly spread to North America, where it began to be grown by enthusiasts, but it reached Europe only in the early 21st century, becoming a rare and collector-favored variety.

Today, Guatemalan Ikeda is considered an exotic and little-known garlic, highly valued for its strong flavor and decorative purple hues.

DESCRIPTION 

General Information

  • Type: Winter garlic, hardneck type

  • Species type: Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon

  • Origin: Central America / adaptation of tropical–subtropical lines

  • Suitability: Suitable for Latvia, good winter hardiness

Heads and Cloves

  • Head size: 60–90 g (very large variety)

  • Shape: Regular, massive

  • Color: White with purple or bluish-purple stripes

  • Number of cloves: 5–8 large cloves

  • Skin: Thick, firm — suitable for long-term storage

  • Clove shape: Large, slender, easy to peel

Taste and Aroma

  • Taste: Strong, intense, slightly sharp spiciness

  • Aroma: Strong, well expressed

  • Suitable for: Meat dishes, marinades, spicy sauces, roasting

Cultivation and Agronomic Properties

  • Harvest time: Mid to late July

  • Storage: 6–8 months

  • Winter hardiness: High

  • Disease resistance:

    • Very good resistance to rot

    • good resistance to fungal infections

Planting

  • Planting time: October–November

  • Planting depth: 6–8 cm

  • Distance between cloves: 10–12 cm

  • Row spacing: 25–30 cm

  • Soil requirements:

    • fertile, not too heavy soil

    • well-drained

    • optimal pH: 6.5–7.2

  • Site selection: Sunny, well-ventilated location

Main Advantages of the Variety

  • Very large, impressive heads

  • Strong, culinarily rich aroma

  • High winter hardiness

  • Good yield and stability

  • Very attractive appearance (purple hue)

  • Suitable for long-term storage


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