Winter garlic variety "ORNAK"

Ornak is a Polish winter hardneck garlic variety known for its very early ripening, good yield, and especially durable, symmetrical garlic bulbs. This variety is suitable for both professional growers and hobby gardeners, thanks to its characteristic adaptation to cooler climates and stable growth.

The bulbs have a shiny, white or slightly creamy skin with occasional light purple shades. The cloves are large, firm, and contain a lot of essential oils, which provide an intense, sharp, traditional garlic flavor.

History

Ornak is a hardneck garlic variety bred in Poland, developed at the end of the 20th century by improving local Central European lines to obtain a cold-resistant, productive and stable garlic crop. The development of the variety involved Polish horticultural and breeding institutes, which worked to create garlic that adapts well to changing weather conditions and a shorter growing season.

Ornak quickly became popular in gardens in Poland and neighboring countries because it overwinters well, produces large, uniform garlic bulbs, and stands out for its stable yield even in cool summers. Thanks to these features, the variety also spread to the Baltic states and Scandinavia.

Nowadays, Ornak is considered one of the most resilient and reliable Eastern European hardneck garlic varieties, chosen by both home producers and commercial gardens.

Main characteristics

• Type: hardneck, winter garlic

• Size: medium to large

• Color: white/creamy, sometimes with a light purple tint

• Flavor: distinctly sharp, aromatic

• Ripening: early (beginning to mid-July)

• Yield: high and uniform

• Number of cloves: 4–8 large cloves

• Hardiness: cold-resistant, adapts well to Northern European climate

Vegetation:

• Very strong root system

• Medium-long, sturdy stem with flower stalk

• Requires consistent moisture

Harvest and storage:

• Harvest time: early July

• Storage: 5–6 months

• Bulbs retain structure and flavor well