Winter garlic "COLORADO PURPLE"

Allium sativum var ophioscorodon

Colorado Purple is an exceptionally winter-hardy Purple Stripe hardneck garlic variety, known for its bright purple, decorative heads and distinctly strong, persistent flavor. The variety forms compact, beautifully colored heads with evenly arranged cloves that are very aromatic and especially suitable for culinary use.

Colorado Purple is often chosen by gardeners in regions with harsher climates — it is stable, reliable and produces well even in areas with very cold winters. An excellent choice for Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and mountainous regions.

History

The roots of Colorado Purple can be traced to the mountain regions of North America, where it became popular as a resilient winter garlic variety in highland and continental climate conditions. It is considered one of the regional Purple Stripe lines that began to spread elsewhere in the world in the second half of the 20th century.

The name “Colorado Purple” reflects both the purple heads of the variety and its historical connection with the state of Colorado, which is famous for its harsh weather conditions where the variety has proven itself well. Today, it is widely grown both in the USA and Europe, especially in gardens where winter hardiness and stable yields are a priority.

Description

Type: hardneck, Purple Stripe group
Vegetation period: medium
Head size: 45–60 mm
Number of cloves: 8–12 elongated, evenly sized cloves
Skin color: distinctly purple, with white or silvery stripes
Clove color: light brown, with a purple hue
Flavor: sharp, spicy, with a sweet aftertaste
Aroma: strong, intense
Yield: medium to high
Winter hardiness: very high — suitable for cool and dry climates
Disease resistance: good tolerance to cold and soil diseases; suitable for organic cultivation
Storage: 5–6 months
Soil requirements: fertile, well-drained soil; does not tolerate standing moisture