Winter garlic "KILLARNEY RED"

Allium sativum var ophioscorodon subvar rocambole

Killarney Red is a high-yielding, very winter-hardy Marbled Purple Stripe hardneck garlic variety, distinguished by its large, beautifully violet-marbled heads and strongly aromatic cloves. This variety has a rich, sharp, slightly sweet flavor and excellent cold resistance, making it a great choice for northern climates.

Killarney Red is one of the most popular premium quality winter garlic varieties in the USA, Canada, Europe, and the Baltics, as it combines a decorative appearance with excellent yield stability and high flavor intensity.

History

The origin of Killarney Red is linked to the ancient lines of hardneck garlic from Central and Western Asia, which later spread throughout Europe along historical trade routes. The variety gained wider recognition in the late 20th century in North America, where it was popularized as a particularly hardy and visually attractive Marbled Purple Stripe variety.

The name “Killarney Red” likely originated in North America, inspired by the name of the Killarney region in Ireland and the variety's characteristic reddish-violet skin. Today, Killarney Red is favored in northern gardens and commercial farms for its reliable yield and excellent flavor.

Description

Type: hardneck, Marbled Purple Stripe
Vegetation period: medium to late
Head size: 55–75 mm, massive, well-formed
Number of cloves: 5–7 large, fleshy cloves
Skin color: white with intense violet-red marbled stripes
Clove color: light brown, creamy
Flavor: strong, sharp, with a sweet, rich aftertaste
Aroma: very strong and persistent
Yield: high and consistent
Winter hardiness: excellent — one of the strongest in the Marbled Purple Stripe group
Storage: 6–7 months in good conditions
Soil: prefers fertile, airy, moderately moist soil
Disease resistance: good tolerance to cold and moisture; moderate resistance to fungal diseases