Winter garlic "Belgium red"

 Allium sativum var sativum ssp artichoke

Belgium Red is a hardneck variety with a beautiful reddish-purple skin color, large cloves, and a distinctly aromatic taste. It is considered one of the most decorative varieties of the purple line selection, while maintaining good yield and winter hardiness.

The variety is characterized by:

  • 6–10 large cloves

  • bright reddish-purple skin

  • strong, sharp, “warm” aroma

  • good winter hardiness and adaptability

  • suitable for both professional growers and home gardens

The variety is popular in gastronomy for its excellent taste and decorative appearance.

History

Belgium Red is a traditional, regional variety with roots in Belgium and Northern France, where hardneck garlic has long been cultivated on small farms with an emphasis on:

  • flavor,

  • aroma,

  • decorativeness for sale in local markets.

  1. In the middle of the century, the variety was documented in several European agrobiological catalogs as “Belgian red hardneck type”.
    Since the late 20th century, it began to spread among hobby gardeners and collectors, especially in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and the Baltic States.

Today, Belgium Red is considered a rarer but high-quality premium variety, appreciated by:

  • collectors,

  • organic gardeners,

  • small commercial producers,

  • chefs.

Description

Botanical type

  • Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon

  • Hardneck garlic

  • Forms a sturdy flower stalk 

Bulbs

  • Average weight: 50–80 g

  • Color: intensely reddish-purple with dark stripes

  • Shape: round or slightly flat, very dense

  • Market quality: very high – decorative, attractive

Cloves

  • Number: 6–10

  • Skin color: pinkish red, often with a burgundy hue

  • Clove size: large, easy to peel

  • Taste: sharp, aroma persistent

Agrotechnical properties

  • Planting: October–November

  • Harvest: July

  • Vegetation period: 220–240 days

  • Suitable for moderate and cool climates, also slightly humid areas

  • Requires a sunny location and loose, organically rich soil

Winter hardiness

  • Excellent, suitable for the climate of Northern Europe and Central Europe

Disease resistance

  • Resistant to:

    • surface rots

    • stem and root fungal infections

  • Moderate resistance to nematodes

  • Bulbs often retain their shape, do not crumble

Storage properties

  • Stores for 5–6 months

  • Retains aroma and firmness until the end of winter