What is Italian Late Garlic?
Italian Late garlic is a softneck variety. This means it does not have the tough flower stalk of hardneck garlics that needs to be removed to encourage bulb development. Softnecks produce more cloves per bulb as well. The flavor of Italian Late is robust but not overly hot compared to other varieties. The taste is rich and lingers on the palate. This garlic’s aroma is very pungent. Like other types of garlic, the flavor can vary by year depending on the growing conditions. A desirable property of Italian Late garlic is that the bulbs store well. As a softneck type, you can braid the stems and hang bulbs to dry. Once dry, they will store most of the winter, up to six months.
How to Grow Italian Late Garlic
Italian Late garlic plants are not fussy. Compared to some similar types of garlic, these will grow in a range of climates and soil types. Plant the garlic in a sunny spot with fertile soil—mix in compost if necessary. Make sure the area drains well and avoid standing water. Plant Italian Late outdoors about six to eight weeks before the ground freezes in the fall. In warmer climates, you can plant it as late as early spring. Water the garlic regularly in the spring and slow down as it gets closer to harvest time. In most areas, the bulbs will be ready to harvest mid-summer. Look for dry, brown lower leaves with a few of the top leaves still green for a sign that the bulbs are ready. You shouldn’t have too many problems or pests with your Italian Late garlic plants. The most likely issue is overwatering and standing water, which can cause roots to rot.
