Classified among those garlics that quietly charm, Inchelium Red Garlic Seed was discovered in the community of Inchelium, Colville Indian Reservation, Washington. Being an heirloom artichoke-type (softneck) variety with large, beautiful bulbs, it is favored for its mild yet enduring flavor and its capacity to remain in storage for a long time. It is a must-have in any rotation of Inchelium Red Garlic Seed for beginner growers, seasoned growers, and home cooks that need a reliable pantry ingredient.

Appearance and Flavor

The bulbs of Inchelium Red garlic are handsome-sized heads wrapped in white skins often streaked with reddish-purple hues. There is usually a multitude of cloves in a single bulb: the counts may range anywhere from 8 on the lower side to 20 or more on the higher side, packed into layers. Cloves in this variety measure quite nicely for either culinary uses or for planting. Some have said that these produce dense, heavy bulbs that stand for a great presence both visually and physically.

Flavor-wise, Inchelium Red is known for a mild, lingering profile. When fresh and raw it offers a gentle garlic presence—enough to notice without overpowering—while storage tends to mellow and deepen the taste. This approachability makes it ideal for dishes where you want garlic to enhance rather than dominate: roasted vegetables, compound butters, braises, and baked recipes all benefit from its balanced character.

Growing Inchelium Red

One of the reasons Inchelium Red Garlic Seed is so popular with home growers is its reliability. As a softneck artichoke type, it thrives in a range of climates and is suited to both garden beds and containers. Here are simple, practical tips to grow well:

• Planting time: Plant individual unpeeled cloves in the fall, about 4–6 weeks before your first hard freeze, or in early spring in milder climates.
• Soil & exposure: Choose loose, well-drained soil amended with compost and ensure full sun. Garlic dislikes soggy feet.
• Spacing & depth: Plant cloves point-up about 2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart, with rows roughly 12 inches apart.
• Mulch & winter care: Apply 3–4 inches of straw or leaf mulch to insulate roots, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
• Water & feeding: Water consistently during the growing season, tapering as bulbs mature. A light application of balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring supports strong growth.
• Scape management: Softneck types don’t reliably produce scapes like hardnecks do, but any flower stalks should be removed to concentrate energy into bulbs.
• Harvest when the lower foliage begins to yellow but before the plants die back entirely. Cure bulbs in a cool, airy, shaded place for two to three weeks to dry the skins and maximize storage.

Culinary Uses and Storage

The mildness of the Inchelium Red lends that crucial versatility to it. When an almost imperceptible garlic undertone is desired, go ahead and toss the garlic in dressings raw or finely mince it into salsas. Roast whole heads until the cloves turn sweet and buttery and mash them into potatoes or fold them into savory breads and soups. Its mild magnitude of sharpness allows the garlic to stand well alongside delicate proteins and vegetable-forward fare. 

Storage would be another plus to consider: When stored in proper conditions—cool, dry, and well-ventilated—Inchelium Red, when cured correctly, holds well for many months, at least six to nine months. Gardeners who want to enjoy the long-lasting supply through the months after harvest will choose garlic of this type.

Why Choose Inchelium Red Garlic Seed?

Inchelium Red combines ease of growth, attractive bulbs, and a culinary friendliness that suits many kitchens. It’s an especially good pick for gardeners who want a yield that stores well and for cooks who prefer a garlic that complements rather than competes. Its history—tied to the Colville Reservation—adds a layer of heritage and story to every bulb harvested and every dish made.

If you’re looking for a dependable, approachable garlic to plant this season, Inchelium Red Garlic Seed is a smart, satisfying choice. For gardeners and small farms interested in heirloom varieties grown and handled with care, consider trusted local suppliers and small-scale growers like Mad River Garlic Growers