Winter garlic "KEES"

Allium sativum var ophioscorodon

Kees is a strong, hardy, and visually attractive Marbled Purple Stripe hardneck garlic variety, distinguished by large, finely marbled purple-white heads and distinctly aromatic cloves. This variety is characterized by a rich, sharp flavor with a slight sweetness, making Kees suitable for both fresh consumption and culinary use.

The variety grows excellently in colder regions, has high winter hardiness, and the ability to produce a consistent yield even in harsh climates. Kees is especially valued among collectors and rare variety growers.

History

The Kees variety is a modern, rarely found Purple Stripe / Marbled Purple Stripe line, originating from the ancient hardneck garlic populations of the Central Asian and Persian regions. Historically, garlics of this group spread along the Silk Road, reaching Europe in the late Middle Ages.
Kees, as a modern selection, appeared in the late 20th century, possibly in the Netherlands or Northern Europe, where breeders selected hardy winter garlics with rich purple coloring and large cloves.

Today, Kees is a rare variety appreciated among collectors, widely adapted to cold climatic conditions—similarly to other Marbled Purple Stripe lines.

Description

Type: hardneck (hardneck), Marbled Purple Stripe group
Vegetation period: medium to medium early
Head size: 55–70 mm, massive and heavy
Number of cloves: 5–8 large, well-developed cloves
Skin color: white with pronounced purple marbling
Clove color: light brown to creamy
Flavor: sharp, rich, with a pleasant sweet undertone
Aroma: very strong, persistent
Yield: good, stable even in cold climates
Winter hardiness: very high, suitable for northern regions
Storage: 5–7 months
Soil: grows best in loose, nutrient-rich soil
Disease resistance: high tolerance to cold and winter moisture; moderate resistance to white rot pathogens