Item Number: FP509
Organic Early Purple Italian Garlic (lb)
One of our Most Popular Artichoke Softneck
- Bulb is white-skinned (can have purple coloring depending on soil)
- Widely grown around Gilroy, California, the “garlic capital” of the world.
- Approximately 8-12 cloves per bulb and 5-6 bulbs per pound
- Vigorous plant that grows well in the summer heat
- Grown in Washington
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: Early Purple Italian garlic is celebrated for its mild yet distinctly garlicky flavor. As a softneck variety, it tends to be less pungent than softneck types, with a smooth, mellow warmth that develops a subtle sweetness when roasted. Its gentle flavor makes it highly versatile in the kitchen—ideal for raw dishes like garlic bread and salad dressings, as well as cooked recipes like soups, sauces, and roasts.
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Aroma Profile: When crushed or chopped, it releases a classic garlic aroma that is savory and slightly sweet. While not overpowering, its fragrance enriches a variety of dishes with a comforting, home-cooked appeal. The aroma becomes more pronounced during sautéing or roasting, adding depth and warmth to meals.
Characteristics of Early Purple Italian Garlic
Early Purple Italian garlic is easily recognizable by its striking purple-striped bulbs. Each bulb contains 8-12 cloves, with the outer layers showcasing a beautiful purple hue that adds a decorative touch to any kitchen. The cloves themselves are wrapped in tan-colored skins, providing a visually appealing contrast.
One of the standout features of this garlic is its mild, yet rich flavor. This garlic variety offers a balanced taste that is less pungent than many softneck varieties, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle garlic flavor. Its versatility in culinary applications, from raw to cooked dishes, makes it a favorite among chefs and home cooks.
Growing Early Purple Italian Garlic
Growing this garlic is a rewarding experience, thanks to its adaptability and ease of cultivation. Here are some essential tips for successfully growing this variety:
- Planting Time: The optimal time to plant this variety of garlic is in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost. In warmer climates, it can also be planted in early spring. This flexibility allows for successful cultivation in various growing regions.
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Garlic thrives in loose, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance its nutrient content.
- Spacing and Depth: Plant the cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Insert each clove with the pointed end up, about 2 inches deep. Proper spacing is crucial to allow the bulbs to develop fully and avoid competition for nutrients and space.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also provides additional insulation during cooler months.
- Watering: Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s important to strike a balance.
- Fertilization: Feed the garlic with a balanced fertilizer or organic amendments in the early stages of growth. Side dressing with compost or a high-nitrogen fertilizer can promote healthy foliage and bulb development.
Harvesting
It is typically ready for harvest in early to mid-summer, depending on the planting time and climate. Harvest when the lower leaves start to brown and dry, leaving a few green leaves at the top. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil and allow them to cure in a shaded, well-ventilated area for about two weeks. Proper curing enhances the garlic's storage life and flavor.
Culinary Uses
The mild, balanced flavor of Early Purple Italian garlic makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its cloves can be used raw in salads, salsas, and dressings, or cooked in a variety of dishes, including roasts, soups, and sauces. This garlic variety also roasts beautifully, developing a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances a wide range of culinary creations.
It is a unique and flavorful garlic variety that offers numerous benefits to gardeners and cooks alike. Its vibrant color, mild flavor, and reliable growth make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to cultivate garlic. By following proper planting, growing this garlic, and harvesting techniques, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this attractive and adaptable garlic variety year after year.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
After harvesting in early spring, allow the green tops of Early Purple Italian Garlic to dry completely and turn brown to ensure the bulbs are well cured. Store the softneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location to protect their flavor and nutritional integrity. It is valued for its rich, mildly spicy flavor and excellent storage life, making it a go-to choice for both fresh use and cooked dishes throughout the year.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To maximize the storage potential of this garlic, wait until the foliage has fully dried and the bulbs are mature before harvesting. Cure the bulbs in a dry, well-aerated space to preserve their bold flavor and smooth texture. This softneck variety works wonderfully in everything from sautéed vegetables to pasta sauces, and thanks to its long shelf life, it remains fresh and usable for many months.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Freezing garlic after it's been properly cured is an excellent way to preserve its flavor and texture. For Early Purple Italian garlic, a softneck type known for its good storage life, curing is key before freezing. You can freeze it as whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or unpeeled), or minced—depending on how you plan to use it. While freezing freshly harvested (uncured) garlic is possible, it's not ideal, as the higher moisture content can lead to a mushy texture and diminished flavor after thawing.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer top-quality garlic varieties, including Early Purple Italian—a reliable softneck garlic favored for its excellent storage life and mild, classic garlic flavor. Grown by experienced farmers, our seed garlic is selected for strong germination and dependable yields. Sold by the pound, this variety performs especially well in warmer climates and is ideal for fall planting. Order today and explore our full range of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties to build a flavorful, productive garden.
For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center. Our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips with everything you need to successfully grow garlic bulbs.
** For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center and try out our Garlic Selector Tool to find the perfect garlic for your growing zone and tastes. Or check out all of our Garlic Learning Blogs where our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips to help you learn how to successfully grow garlic bulbs.**



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Our Guarantee To You
Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
We cannot delay ship garlic/shallots. They will be shipped as soon as they are in stock.
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, ID, PR, GU, VI
Shipping Weight: 1.1 lb
Dimensions: 5.0"L x 3.0"W x 3.0"H
Features
Features
- Bulb
- Container Compatible
- Easy to Peel Cloves
- Flavor Pick
- Medium Flavor
- Softneck
- WSDA Certified Organic
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Seed Garlic Guarantee (When Planted by November 15th)
Claim Deadline is 45 Days from Purchase or Delivery. (Claims placed after December 31st will be denied.)
What We Guarantee
Our only guarantee is that the seed garlic we sell will germinate, provided you follow the steps listed in our Garlic Planting & Growing Guide. This guarantee is only available to customers who purchase their seed garlic directly from us.
What We Cannot Guarantee
We cannot guarantee that your garlic will remain alive & healthy, or sizes up properly, as there are too many variables beyond our control to be able to do so (i.e. soil preparation, fertilization, weed and pest control, temperature control, irrigation, etc).
How to Request a Credit
If you encounter a significant lack of germination of your garlic (over 50%), please contact us within 45 days of delivery. If we determine that your garlic had a significant lack of germination, we will issue you a credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of your garlic (excluding shipping).* This 45-day time frame is meant to allow you up to 2 weeks to plant your garlic, and up to 4 weeks to check for signs of growth.
(*) We reserve the right to not issue credit for items already replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence of the lack of germination of your garlic.
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Great amount of product for the price! Super excited to see how these turn out !!!
It’s the easiest thing in the world and these folks supply good seeds. It grows over the winter and requires practically no care. I recommend it to anyone who loves gardening and misses it during the winter.
I accidentally planted a little early but I belive this will be a fantastic crop!!
This is one of my favorite garlics. It's so flavorful without being "spicy" like some hardnecks. Way better than the common softneck garlic!
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