Eastern European spicy bulbs are now available
The taste for spicier garlic with a bit of heat led to the breeding of Caulk Wight (see also the introduction of the hardneck garlic Czechmate, which is available from Mr Fothergill’s). In fact, “Find us the spiciest, tastiest garlic, which will thrive in all parts of Britain” was the challenge given to ‘garlic king’ Colin Boswell from DT Brown.
Colin rose to the challenge, and the result is garlic, Caulk Wight. Russia and other Eastern European countries abound with hardneck purple-skinned strains. He selected Caulk Wight as one of the very best of these large-cloved, easy-to-peel, vigorous hardnecks.
Plump, pink cloves from Caulk Wight
It grows particularly well in the UK climate, having been trialled successfully in the north and south. It can also withstand temperatures down to -20°C. Caulk Wight has a distinctive, dark green, wide leaf formation. Underground, the bulb is enclosed in tight leaf wrappers, avoiding the pitfall of many hardneck types in our damp climate, of splitting and opening out.
Dry bulbs in the open, on a verandah or in a greenhouse. The outer leaves, which protected it while underground, slip away to display beautiful, plump, pink cloves with purple marbling.
Strongly flavoured garlic
“Caulk Wight is the spiciest, most strongly flavoured garlic I have tasted”, said DT Brown’s general manager, Tim Jeffries. “Colin came up with exactly what we asked, and we hope our customers will enjoy this special strain.”
Caulk Wight is ideal for autumn planting from October onwards. Here’s more information on growing garlic. For more information, visit www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk.
