Winter garlic "Wild Fire"
Allium sativum var ophioscorodon subvar Asiatic
Wild Fire is one of the most distinctive hardneck garlic varieties, known for its explosively sharp flavor, especially intense aroma, and red-violet clove skins. The variety is visually very attractive: the bulbs are medium-sized, with contrasting white and pinkish-violet skins.
Wild Fire garlic is appreciated both fresh and cooked — it retains its pungency even after heat treatment. This variety is resistant to cold and well-suited for the Northern European climate.
History
The Wild Fire variety originated among small-scale breeders and garlic enthusiasts in the USA, where it was developed as a particularly pungent line from Purple Stripe type garlic. The variety got its name precisely because of its "fiery" flavor intensity. Over the last 15–20 years, Wild Fire has spread among amateur and professional garlic growers in North America, and later also in Europe, where it is valued for its high winter hardiness and impressive visual appearance.
Description
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Hardneck |
| Group | Purple Stripe / Marbled variants |
| Origin | USA selection (small farm line) |
| Bulb size | Medium (50–65 mm) |
| Skin color | White with pronounced violet stripes |
| Number of cloves | 6–10 large cloves |
| Flavor | Very sharp, "burning", persistent |
| Aroma | Intense, spicy |
| Ripening time | Medium early |
| Winter hardiness | Very good |
| Drought tolerance | Medium high |
| Disease resistance | Good against soil fungi and rots |
| Yield | Medium high |
| Storage ability | 6–8 months |
| Flower stalk | Forms |
| Soil requirements | Loose, well-drained soil |
| Usage | Spicy dishes, meat marinades, fermentation, fresh cuisine |
Wild Fire is a hardneck garlic variety that stands out for its explosively sharp flavor and beautiful violet-striped appearance. This variety adapts well to cooler climates, making it an excellent choice for Northern European growers. The bulbs are medium-sized, with 6–10 distinctly aromatic cloves that retain their intensity even during cooking. Wild Fire is the ideal solution for lovers of spicy dishes, marinades, and meals where a strong, persistent garlic flavor is needed.