Garlic 'Cristo'

A hardneck garlic cultivar, 'Cristo' is a robust and highly productive variety, well-suited to the UK climate. It forms large, flavoursome bulbs with easily peeled cloves, making it a favourite for culinary use. Reaching approximately 60-90cm in height with a spread of 15-20cm, it is best planted in autumn for an early summer harvest. It thrives in an open, sunny position with well-drained, fertile soil. Like most garlics, it offers some pest deterrent properties and is generally hardy in the UK (H4). The leaves may be used as a milder alternative to the bulb. While primarily grown for its bulbs, it produces a tall scape that can be eaten young or allowed to flower, though this can reduce bulb size. Prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.