Garlic - Valiant Monaro (Bulb)
Allium sativum
NOT to WA & TAS
The tale behind Valiant Monaro garlic traces back approximately 80 years to its origins in the Snowy Mountains. Legend has it that the variety was introduced by the first Yugoslavian workers on the Snowy Hydro Scheme, who brought it with them from Europe. Although no concrete evidence supports this story, the possibility remains open. The garlic's name, Monaro, is derived from the Monaro region in Southern New South Wales, which extends slightly into Victoria near the Snowy River National Park and is often associated with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The region, primarily a plateau standing 1,000 meters above sea level, lends its name to this garlic variety.
Valiant Monaro Garlic is celebrated for its robust, rich flavour; it presents a spicy, intense taste when raw and becomes milder, adopting a nutty profile upon roasting. This variety thrives across many of Australia's garlic-cultivation areas, from Southern NSW all the way to Tasmania, South Australia, and Southern Western Australia, although it's less suited to the country's most humid climates. Preferring the cold of winter, Monaro Purple garlic must be harvested promptly once mature, especially in warmer or more humid environments, to preserve its quality.
How to Grow Garlic:
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Spacing Your Garlic: Begin by spacing your cloves around 15cm apart. Ensure the sharp end, or the "pointy tip," faces upwards. This positioning encourages straight growth.
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Depth Matters: Gently plant each clove about 25mm beneath the soil's surface. This depth provides enough coverage without burying the cloves too deep.
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Feeding Your Garlic: Avoid heavy feeding at the start. After growing your garlic for six weeks, it's time for a little boost. Apply a light spray of liquid fertilizer once a month. Remember, a little goes a long way!
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Watering Tips: Garlic prefers moist soil but despises waterlogged conditions. Ensure your garden bed allows for good drainage and avoid overwatering.
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Ideal Locations: For those living in New South Wales, Victoria, or South Australia, you're in luck! These regions offer the perfect climate for growing robust garlic.
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Storing Your Harvest: Once your garlic is harvested, it needs a proper storage spot. Please keep it in a cool, well-ventilated space, away from the harsh rays of direct sunlight. Proper storage can keep your garlic fresh for 5 to 6 months.
