Winter garlic "Slovenian"

“Slovenian” ranks 7th–9th in garlic flavor scale and 1st–2nd in pungency scale.

Allium sativum var ophioscorodon

Slovenian is an excellenthardneck (cietkātu) garlic variety originating from the mountainous regions of Slovenia, known for its stable winter hardiness, outstanding flavor, and decorative violet-striped skin. The variety produces large, heavy bulbs with 7–12 well-formed cloves that are easy to peel and highly aromatic.

The flavor is strong, pungent, and persistent, with a slight sweet aftertaste — ideally suited for meat dishes, roasted vegetables, marinades, and dishes where a pronounced garlic note is needed.

Slovenian is popular both in home gardens and professional farms, thanks to its high yield and good storage qualities.

History

Slovenian garlic comes from the Slovenian Alpine regions, where it was traditionally grown in small mountain farms. Thanks to its cold resistance and ability to yield in challenging climatic conditions, the variety became a popular local herb. At the end of the 20th century, collectors and agronomists introduced it to the European and North American seed markets, where it gained a reputation as a reliable, environmentally resilient, and flavorful hardneck garlic.

Description 

ParameterValue
TypeHardneck (cietkātu)
GroupPurple Stripe (most common), sometimes Marbled Purple Stripe
Bulb sizeLarge (55–75 mm)
ColorWhite–violet, striped skin
Number of cloves7–12 large, symmetrical cloves
FlavorPungent, pronounced, aromatic
Maturation timeMedium early
Winter hardinessVery high (suitable for Northern Europe)
Disease resistanceVery good against root rot, moderately good against fungal diseases
YieldMedium to high
Storage ability6–7 months
Flower stalkForms (hardneck)
Soil requirementsFertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.5–7.4
UsageCulinary, market production, planting material