Description of the Sofievsky garlic variety, cultivation and yield

According to the variety description, Sofievsky garlic scores highly in all parameters. It was developed by breeders relatively recently and has already become well-known. This winter variety, thanks to its high yield and low maintenance (it can grow even in poorly fertilized soil and is resistant to low temperatures), has earned the recognition of many gardeners.

General characteristics of the variety

This variety is mid-season (101 days from clove growth to leaf lodging) and winter-harvesting. The Sofievsky variety has high and consistent yields.

Grown in open ground, it produces large, white bulbs with lilac veins, 3 cm in diameter, rounded and flat, with up to 7 cloves each. They weigh up to 120 g. The leaves are dark green with a light waxy coating. They reach a height of 35-45 cm, and the stalk extends up to 1.5 meters. A distinctive feature of this variety is the upright, almost vertical position of the leaves.

Planting and care

This garlic variety is planted either from seeds, in which case a harvest will take two years, or from small sets, also known as single-clove garlic. Cloves can be obtained from seeds or from a clove of mature garlic—for this purpose, the largest lateral bud (clove) on the head is selected.

The seeds can be sown in any season—fall or spring. After a year, they produce cloves. These are not full-fledged garlic suitable for cooking. They are planted in the spring, and by the end of the season, they produce a head of garlic. Therefore, timing is crucial. growing garlic from seeds takes 2 years.

It is much easier to buy garlic sets right away or take garlic cloves if you already have some at home, then the harvest will be ready at the end of the current season.

As for planting, despite this variety's ease of cultivation, it's best to choose a sunny spot and avoid planting garlic in low-lying areas where meltwater collects in the spring. Growing garlic at high elevations exposed to wind is also not recommended, as winter winds can blow away snowdrifts and cause the garlic to freeze.

When choosing the most suitable soil, well-drained (i.e., loose) soil is preferred, as it prevents water from stagnating. Humus-sandy and loamy soils are good choices for this purpose.

It is important to know, that garlic is not fertilized Manure is recommended, as the acidified soil from such fertilization reduces its yield. It is not recommended to plant it in a bed previously grown with nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, etc.). Good predecessors include legumes, pumpkins, early green crops, and cabbage.

It's grown in the same location for no more than two years. It's important to remember that, despite the variety's frost resistance, single-clove cloves should be planted two to three weeks before the onset of cold weather.

Before planting, the seed onions are sorted, leaving the best specimens - those without damage or defects. Immediately before planting, the cloves are soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 2 hours - this helps the garlic become more resistant to further adverse external factors.

When planting, maintain a distance of 10-15 cm between cloves and 20-25 cm between rows. The cloves are planted to a depth of 4-6 cm. Planting deeper increases the chance of preserving more heads over winter, but reduces yield. Cover the plantings with branches and leaves for the winter. Caring for garlic in summer consists only of regular weeding and watering.

Advantages of the variety

This variety owes its popularity to its exceptional qualities, which speak in its favor:

1. Resistance to low and high temperatures. Single-clove tomatoes can withstand winter frosts, when temperatures drop to -35°C, and summer heat, when temperatures reach +45°C. Thanks to this tolerance to various temperatures, the Sofievsky variety can be grown in both southern and northern regions.
2. This variety of garlic is resistant to various fungi and infections, which reduces plant maintenance to a minimum.
3. Garlic of this variety will also please you with its shelf life – it can be stored for up to 11 months, while maintaining its marketable appearance and excellent taste.
4. Resistance to diseases and pests.
5. High yield.
6. The variety's flavor is also a distinct advantage—it has a pungent flavor that complements both fresh and cooked dishes, complementing pickles and preserves. Garlic also contains many vitamins, amino acids, proteins, selenium, and essential oils.

Sofievsky garlic surpasses many varieties in its characteristics. Those who plant it once often grow it regularly, as it is an excellent, selective variety that produces an excellent harvest in virtually any region of the country.