Australian Garlic
Celebrating and understanding our garlic groups and cultivars
Subtropical Group
Softneck - Non-bolting
This cultivar falls into the Artichoke Group, Type 2 and shares its evolution with others in this sub-group from Formosan to Taiwanese and Taiwanese Purple. Long time grower Roger Schmitke selected bulbs from this heritage that produced larger bulbs and cloves then other cultivars grown in the 80s and 90s. These went to Queensland’s Gatton Research Station and over a 6 year period they were grown and selected and replanted, selecting only the biggest and best bulbs and cloves. In 1997 Southern Glen named and released.  See the Production of Garlic here
This day-length neutral cultivar is a very important cultivar for growers in warmer more northern regions.
General Information
International name/s: None, these are Australian cultivars.
Flavour: Mostly very good. Usually moderate to hot when raw, with a rich, sweet, spicy flavour. Generally flavour improves if the bulbs are kept for a few weeks after curing and before use.
Storage: Most will store from 8-11 months
Growing location: These garlics grow well in most garlic growing regions of Australia from the Northern Borders of Victoria and South Australia all the way to Queensland. They don't do so well in regions with cold and wet winters. These are day length neutral garlics, that are quite happy with warmer climates, and in particular produce well in Queensland, Northern NSW and central WA. They have also been grown in well aerated greenhouses in cooler climates. Although this is still a bit experimental.
Growing requirements: Thrives in short day regions which experience reasonably cold winters. Enjoys heat early in spring and will tolerate some humidity. Day-length neutral. Does not like cold and wet winters.
Planting and harvest:
Bulb
Shape: Tear-drop shaped medium to large sized bulbs. 5-8 cm.
Skin colour and texture:
Clove
Number and layout:
Size and shape:
Skin colour and texture:
Plant
Size and shape:
Leaves:
Young plants:
Matures:
Scape:
Umbel and beak:
Bulbils and flowers:
Artichoke Group
Silverskin Group
Subtropical Group
Asiatic Group
Creole Group
Middle Eastern Group
Turban Group
- Flinders Island Purple
- Glamour
- Italian Purple
- Monaro Purple
- Ontos Purple
- Shandong
- Tasmanian Purple
- White Crookneck
- Xian