Marino Garlic Bulbils

Marino garlic is a hardneck variety belonging to the rocambole group (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon). Rocamboles are known for their strong flavour, scape production, and adaptability to colder climate.

The bulbs of Marino are medium to large with six to ten cloves that are are wrapped in brownish skins streaked with red and purple. The wrappers around the bulbs themselves often carry subtle purplish tones, making them visually striking compared to plainer white varieties.

The flavour is sharp with a biting taste, yet it isn’t overwhelmingly hot. It is warm, full-bodied, and distinctly garlicky, making it excellent for raw use or in dishes where garlic is meant to stand out. Some even compare the flavour notes to peppercorns or cured meats like pepperoni, which is why it is praised on pizzas and in bold dishes such as sausages, savoury loaves, and rich stews.

Marino is somewhat unusual among rocamboles for its storage ability. While most rocamboles keep only a few months, Marino can last longer, often up to six months under proper conditions. This makes it a valuable kitchen garlic for those who want both strong flavour and extended usability. It also has shown good resistance to common garlic diseases such as Fusarium and Botrytis.

As a plant, Marino tends to be later to emerge in the spring than many varieties. It is later to send up its scapes and later to dry down for harvest, meaning gardeners must be patient with its slower rhythm. It produces the classic hardneck scape, which can be harvested and eaten or removed to encourage larger bulb growth. Like most rocamboles, Marino prefers cooler climates where winter cold helps trigger strong bulb formation.

The history of Marino is less clearly documented than some heirloom varieties. It is generally believed to have been first identified in New York State, though the exact origins and breeding details are not recorded.

These garlic bulbils are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.