Organic Red Toch Garlic (Softneck)

***I will not be selling garlic this year, I apologize for the inconvenience***

Softneck 

Artichoke Type

1 Organic Bulb

Approximately 12-18 cloves per bulb

Fall Planting Days to Maturity: About 240 days

Spring Planting Days to Maturity: About 90 days

Description: Red Toch, also known as Tochliavri, is a beautiful, mid season, artichoke softneck variety.  It  produces large bulbs that are celebrated for its complex flavor, and fragrant aroma.  This variety originally comes from a city outside of Tochliavri, in the Republic of Georgia, that is known for a few other tasty garlic varieties.  However, the Red Toch has become quite a favorite, and is often described as the perfect garlic.  It produces 12-18 cloves per bulb, wrapped in thick, white papers that are beautifully striped with shades of red and pink.  The inner clove wrappers can be a rosy pink to red, and reveal creamy white cloves once peeled.  Its flavor is described as being mild, not too hot, with a tasty spicy tang.  It is delicious baked, roasted, and is especially lovely mixed into mashed potatoes.  Red Toch stores well, approximately 9 months, and is very adaptive to summer heat.  It can be grown in both Northern and Southern States.

 ****Limited stock, and offered on a first come first serve basis. If we run out of, or have an issue with a variety that you pre-ordered, then we will contact you.  If we have a substitution then we will offer it to you, if we do not, we will give you a refund.  You can choose to not accept the substitution, and receive a refund as well.****

How To Grow Your Own Garlic

Sowing:  In Southern states, in zones 8-10, plant cloves in December for a spring harvest. In the North, plant softneck varieties in early spring for a summer harvest, and hardneck varieties in the fall for a spring harvest. Break open your garlic and take out the individual cloves.  Choose the biggest cloves to plant. Planting the smaller cloves will result in small bulb. Do not remove the clove wrappers. Plant cloves pointed side up. With the blunt part facing down, in well-drained soil, that is rich in organic matter. Choose a location with  full sun and where you did not plant any alliums the previous year. Work organic matter into your soil, at least 6-8 inches deep, removing stones, then level and smooth it. Plant cloves with the pointed side up, in rows 1-2 feet apart, 1 inch deep, and 4 inches apart. Firm lightly and water gently. Spring planted garlic emerges in 14-21 days. Fall planted garlic may not emerge until spring. If the garlic emerges in the fall, and a heavy frost is expected, mulch the tender greens for protection.

Growing:  Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space, and nutrients. Keep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Companion plant garlic with tomatoes, kale, and carrots to deter pesky garden pests. Make sure to keep your soil moist but not saturated, or you may rot your growing bulbs.  Garlic is a heavy feeder, and will do best if provided with a well balanced fertilizer, or compost, when planting, and again during the spring.

Harvesting:  When the foliage begins to yellow, bend back the tops to hasten the yellowing and drying of the tops. Feel around the top of the bulb to make sure the cloves have fully formed. Harvest garlic when their green leaves have turned brown and fallen over. Be sure to dig deep, and under garlic so you don’t break the bulb when pulling them up. When you harvest your garlic, allow them to dry in the sun for a few hours.  After, spread your garlic out in a well-ventilated location, until the tops are thoroughly dry for about 3-4 weeks. Cut the tops about 1-2 inches above the bulbs, or braid the tops together if they're softneck varieties. Store loose bulbs in a dry, cool, airy place in baskets, or hang braided garlic strings. Garlic may be frozen, dehydrated, made into vinegar, or garlic powder and salt for extended preservation. Garlic can also be made into an organic pesticide!