Garlic - Tamanian Purple (2 Bulbs)

Garlic - Tasmanian Purple (2 Bulbs)

Allium sativum
NOT to WA & TAS

Allium sativum 'Australian Purple' is a hardneck Turban Group garlic prized for its early maturity and adaptability to Australian conditions. This reliable variety produces medium to large bulbs adorned with distinctive purple-striped white skins, each containing 7-15 plump, reddy-purple cloves with creamy flesh. The flavour profile is notably sweeter and less aggressive than that of standard garlic varieties, with an initially mild-to-hot taste that mellows quickly, particularly delicious when roasted.

Australian Purple thrives in warmer climates where many garlic varieties struggle, making it an excellent choice for gardeners across most Australian regions. Beyond the bulbs, tender green stems can be snipped sparingly during growth and used as a flavourful substitute for garlic chives in cooking. This early-maturing variety rewards patient gardeners with a bountiful harvest of full-flavoured, easy-to-peel cloves perfect for both raw and cooked applications. Supplied as dormant bulbs ready for planting.

Climate Suitability Adaptable across Australian climates from cool temperate (Hobart) to subtropical (Brisbane). Heat zones 1-6, cold zones 9b-11. Flavour develops strongest intensity in cooler southern regions.

Sowing & Growing Guide

When to Plant:

• Warmer climates (coastal/subtropical): Early autumn (March-April) for September harvest
• Cooler climates (temperate/cool temperate): Autumn to early winter (April-June) for late spring harvest
• Plant during the cooler months when soil temperatures drop for the best bulb development

Soil Preparation:

• Choose a well-drained position in full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
• Enrich the soil with aged compost or well-rotted manure several weeks before planting
• Ensure pH 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth
• Garlic is a heavy feeder requiring nutrient-rich soil

Planting Instructions:

1. Separate bulbs into individual cloves just before planting (do not remove papery skin from cloves)
   
2. Plant cloves pointy end up, flat basal plate down
3. Space 7-10cm apart in rows 25-30cm apart
4. Planting depth: 2-3cm deep in cooler climates, 5-7cm deep in warmer climates (deeper planting in warm areas protects developing bulbs)
5. Apply 5-10cm of organic mulch (straw, lucerne, or sugar cane) to suppress weeds and retain moisture

Growing Requirements:

• Light: Full sun is essential for bulb formation
• Water: Consistent moisture during active growth (autumn through spring). Water deeply when the top 5cm of soil dries out. Reduce watering as foliage begins to yellow
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser or compost tea monthly during spring growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers once bulbs begin forming (late winter/early spring)
• Maintenance: Keep beds weed-free as garlic doesn't compete well. Remove any flower scapes (curled stems) that appear to direct energy into bulb production

Growth Timeline:

• Garlic is slow-growing, requiring 6-9 months from planting to harvest
• Green shoots emerge 4-6 weeks after planting
• Active foliage growth occurs during cooler months
• Bulbing occurs in response to warming temperatures and lengthening days (late winter/spring)

Harvest & Storage Guide

When to Harvest:

• Harvest when 50-70% of foliage has turned yellow-brown (typically late spring to early summer)
• Don't wait until all leaves die back, or bulbs may begin to split
• Test dig one bulb to check development before harvesting the entire crop

Harvesting Technique:

1. Stop watering 2 weeks before the planned harvest
2. Loosen soil around bulbs with a garden fork, working carefully to avoid piercing bulbs
3. Gently lift bulbs, keeping stems attached
4. Shake off excess soil (don't wash)
5. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Damaged bulbs won't store well

Curing (Essential for Storage):

1. Hang in bunches or lay in single layers in a dry, airy, shaded location
2. Ensure good air circulation (under cover verandah, shed, or garage ideal)
3. Cure for 3-4 weeks until outer skins become papery and stems are completely dry
4. Once cured, trim roots and cut stems to 2-3cm above the bulb (or leave long for plaiting)

Storage:

• Store in mesh bags, plaited strings, or open containers in a cool, dark, dry location
• Ideal storage: 13-15°C with low humidity
• Properly cured Australian Purple stores for 4-5 months
• Check regularly and remove any bulbs showing signs of sprouting or softness
• Save the largest, best-formed bulbs for replanting next season
• Preservation tip: As a short-storage variety, consider preserving excess harvest through pickling, oil infusion, or freezing when cloves begin sprouting

Companion Planting & Garden Notes

Good Companions: Roses, fruit trees, tomatoes, brassicas, strawberries, lettuce, beetroot

Avoid Planting Near: Beans, peas, asparagus (garlic can inhibit their growth)

Pest & Disease Resistance: Australian Purple's early maturity helps it avoid many common garlic diseases. Practice crop rotation (don't plant garlic in the same bed for 3-4 years) to prevent soil-borne fungal issues.

Kitchen Uses:

• Younger, sweeter flavour than standard white garlic, ideal for raw applications
• Excellent roasted whole or in individual cloves
• Green tops (garlic scapes) can be harvested sparingly and used like garlic chives
• Reddy-purple cloves maintain colour when pickled

Plant Specifications:

• Botanical Name: Allium sativum 'Tasmanian Purple'
• Group: Turban (Hardneck)
• Mature Height: 30-40cm
• Spread: 10-15cm
• Cloves per Bulb: 7-15
• Maturity: Early season (6-9 months)
• Supplied as: Dormant bulb