Ivan Hardneck Garlic - (Allium sativum)

Ivan Garlic - The Legacy of a Gardener's Generosity

In the world of heirloom garlic, it's rare to know a variety's true story. The tale of Ivan is one such gift. This story is not one of ancient trade routes or commercial breeding, but of quiet stewardship over generations within a single family. It begins in Ontario, Canada, with a man named Mr. McIlroy, who for years cultivated a robust garlic passed down directly from his mother. This was their kitchen garlic, a flavor woven into the fabric of family life for generations. In the early 2000s, in a simple act of generosity, he shared some surplus bulbs through a local bulletin board. He couldn't have known it then, but that single gesture ensured a unique family legacy would find its way into new soil, new kitchens, and new stories - perhaps even yours.

Details

Ivan is a distinguished member of the Porcelain group, a type of hardneck garlic renowned for its remarkable presence, statuesque plants, and very large bulbs with glistening, parchment-like wrappers. While it fits this profile, a critical element of Ivan's identity is its fascinating ambiguity; garlic experts confirm it as a distinct landrace, a unique variety that has adapted through generations of cultivation in a specific microclimate. Its impressive plants stand 18 to 24 inches tall with broad, green leaves. The large bulbs are protected by white outer wrappers, while the inner wrappers often display delicate stripes of purple or pink. Inside, you'll find four to six exceptionally large, plump cloves that are easy to peel - a trait prized by chefs. As a hardneck, Ivan produces a flowering stalk, or scape, in early summer which forms a characteristic single, wide loop before harvest as a delicious bonus crop.

History

While most Porcelain garlics trace their lineage back to the ancient cradle of garlic in Central Asia, Ivan's story is a distinctly Canadian one. As told in its origin, this unique heirloom was preserved for generations as a family's kitchen staple in Ontario. When the family patriarch, Mr. McIlroy, shared his surplus bulbs in the early 2000s, he caught the attention of growers who immediately recognized their exceptional quality. After being cultivated and introduced at local garlic festivals, it was confirmed by experts to be a unique variety, officially marking its place in the rich tapestry of Canadian heirlooms. While its deeper ancestral roots remain a mystery, its known identity was forged and preserved in that Ontario family garden.

About Hardneck Garlic

Ivan is a "hardneck" type of garlic, a distinction that is key to understanding its growth, flavor, and culinary potential. The "neck" refers to the stiff, woody central stalk that extends from the bulb - a stalk that will become the delicious bonus harvest of young "garlic scapes" in the spring.

Garlic is broadly divided into two main categories, and while the softneck varieties are what you typically find in supermarkets, hardneck garlics are prized by chefs and growers for their remarkably complex and robust flavors. They are often described as richer and spicier, with a more pronounced "garlicky" essence. This intensity varies across different hardneck groups, from the mild sweetness of Purple Stripes to the fiery heat of Rocamboles and the deep, musky character of Porcelains like Ivan.

While hardnecks are famously cold-hardy and thrive in northern climates, it is a common misunderstanding that they cannot be grown in warmer southern regions. The secret to success in these zones is a process called vernalization. If your area does not experience a regular winter freeze, you can simulate this necessary cold period by refrigerating your seed garlic for at least 40-50 days prior to planting. This procedure triggers the bulb formation process, allowing you to grow this exceptional northern garlic even in a southern garden.

Uses

A quintessential multipurpose garlic, Ivan offers two distinct culinary personalities, revealing a fiery, pungent heat when raw that transforms into a rich, buttery sweetness when cooked. 

Its unapologetically bold and potent raw flavor makes it an ideal choice for dishes that demand a sharp, assertive garlic kick, such as in vinaigrettes, fresh salsas, and raw sauces like pesto or aioli. However, with cooking, Ivan's fire recedes and an entirely different character emerges. The flavor becomes exceptionally sweet, rich, and nutty, making it superb for roasting whole, sautéing as a base for sauces, or mixing into baked dishes where a deep, non-aggressive garlic flavor is desired.

Before you harvest the bulbs, you are rewarded with the plant's first gift: the tender garlic scapes. These curling green stalks have a mild, fresh garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness, similar to a chive or scallion but with more substance. They are a true delicacy, perfect for making a vibrant pesto, chopping into stir-fries and egg dishes, or grilling whole until tender and lightly charred.

The large, easy-to-peel cloves are a significant benefit, streamlining kitchen prep. It is excellent when preserved by canning or pickling, and its flavor infuses beautifully into oils and vinegars. Notably, its large clove size makes it an ideal candidate for producing Black Garlic, a fermented delicacy where the cloves transform into a sweet, dark, and complex confection.

Companion Planting

You will find that Ivan garlic is a beneficial neighbor to a wide range of garden plants. It is particularly well-suited for planting alongside members of the brassica family, such as broccoli and kale, as its strong aroma is known to deter common pests like cabbage moths. It also grows well near tomatoes and peppers.

You should avoid planting garlic where other members of the allium family (onions, leeks) have recently grown to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases. It is also best to keep it away from asparagus, peas, and beans, as garlic can inhibit their growth.

Planting and Growing Tips

For the best results in your garden, plant Ivan garlic in the fall, approximately 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the cloves to establish a strong root system before winter dormancy. Select a site that receives full sun and has well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Plant only the largest and healthiest cloves, setting them pointed-end up, about 2-3 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart. After planting, cover the bed with a 4-6 inch layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to protect the cloves through the winter, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds in the spring. Garlic requires consistent watering, particularly during its active growth in the spring, but you should reduce watering a week or two before harvest to allow the bulbs to cure.

Our article, "Grow Great Hardneck Garlic at Home," walks you through the details of growing the best and most delicious garlic you've ever had!

Harvest Tips

Ivan offers you two distinct harvests from a single planting. In late spring or early summer, your garlic plants will send up a flowering stalk known as a "scape." You should snap or cut this scape off once it has formed a loop to encourage the plant to direct all its energy into bulb formation. These tender scapes are a delicacy in their own right, with a mild, fresh garlic flavor. Your main harvest of the bulbs will be ready in mid-to-late summer, when the lower leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow and fall over. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil with a garden fork and allow them to cure in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for several weeks before storing.

Learn More

• Grow Great Hardneck Garlic at Home
• Peel Garlic in 10 Seconds
• Korean Pickled Garlic
• Honey Pickled Jalapenos with Garlic

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