Kettle River Giant

Kettle River Giant is a rare heirloom softneck garlic variety from the Kettle River region of Washington State, known for its impressive bulb size, robust flavor, and adaptability to diverse climates. As an Artichoke subtype, it produces large, layered bulbs with 10 to 14 cream-colored cloves, wrapped in beige-white skins with subtle pink overtones. Some bulbs can reach up to 4 inches in diameter, making it one of the largest softneck varieties available.

What makes Kettle River Giant unique is its ability to combine the best traits of both softneck and hardneck garlics. It offers the long storage life typical of softnecks — often lasting 8 to 10 months — while delivering a rich, medium-hot flavor that rivals many hardneck cultivars. Raw, it has a spicy kick that mellows into a savory, earthy depth when roasted or sautéed, making it ideal for garlic-forward dishes like marinades, sauces, and roasted meats.

In the garden, this variety is cold-hardy and resilient, thriving in USDA Zones 4–7. It tolerates harsh winters and hot summers, making it a reliable performer across the Northeast and beyond. While it doesn’t produce scapes, its energy goes directly into bulb development, resulting in consistently large heads. It matures early to mid-season and prefers well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Mulching in fall helps protect against deep freezes and promotes strong root development.

Kettle River Giant is a favorite among market growers and home gardeners alike for its ease of cultivation, visual appeal, and culinary versatility. Whether you're stocking it for seed garlic, fresh-market sales, or CSA boxes, this variety delivers on flavor, form, and shelf life — a true giant in every sense.