Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic: Quick Answer
If you’re comparing hardneck vs softneck garlic, the best choice comes down to climate, flavor, and storage. Hardneck garlic is typically favored for bold, complex flavor and colder-winter growing. Softneck garlic is usually the best option for long storage, warmer climates, and braiding.
- Choose hardneck garlic if you want scapes, fewer but larger cloves, and rich flavor—especially in colder regions.
- Choose softneck garlic if you want many cloves per bulb, the longest storage life, and flexible stems for braids.
Introduction
Garlic is more than a kitchen staple—it’s a crop with history, flavor, and diversity. When you grow garlic at home, you open the door to flavors and textures you won’t find in a grocery store. One of the most important decisions for gardeners is choosing between hardneck vs softneck garlic.
The difference between hardneck and softneck garlic comes down to structure, flavor, storage, and climate preference. Hardneck garlic produces fewer large cloves with bold taste and curly flower stalks (called scapes). Softneck garlic, on the other hand, has many smaller cloves, keeps longer, and thrives in warmer climates.
This guide covers the types of garlic, their unique qualities, and tips on planting garlic, harvesting, and storage. If you’d like a customized garlic list for your garden, try our Garlic Resource Center and Garlic Selector Tool.
Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic: At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Hardneck Garlic | Softneck Garlic |
|---|---|---|
| Stalk / scapes | Produces a stiff central stalk and edible scapes. | Typically no scapes; stems stay flexible for braiding (climate can influence this). |
| Cloves per bulb | Fewer cloves, usually larger and often easier to peel. | More cloves, often smaller and layered. |
| Flavor | Bold, complex, “gourmet” style flavor. | Often milder, with great versatility for everyday cooking. |
| Storage life | Shorter storage life. | Longest storage life (often many months when cured properly). |
| Best climate fit | Generally best for colder winters. | Generally best for milder winters and warmer regions. |
| Braiding | Not ideal—stalk dries stiff. | Excellent—flexible stems braid easily. |
Understanding the Difference Between Hardneck and Softneck Garlic
Hardneck Garlic (Allium sativum ssp. ophioscorodon)
Hardneck garlic forms a stiff central flower stem and grows well in colder climates. It produces fewer, but larger, cloves arranged neatly around the stalk. Varieties like Siberian Garlic and German Extra Hardy are prized for their bold, spicy flavor.
Hardneck types also send up edible flower stalks called scapes. These are tender and delicious when sautéed or grilled. Removing scapes can also help redirect energy into bulb sizing.
Softneck Garlic (Allium sativum ssp. sativum)
Softneck garlic has flexible stems, tightly packed cloves, and is the type most commonly braided or sold in stores. It excels in warmer climates and offers longer storage when properly cured.
Top choices include California Early White, California Late White, and Inchelium Red.
Note: Softneck garlic typically does not produce a scape, but growing conditions can sometimes cause a variety to form a flowering stalk. If you ever see a stalk forming, treat it like a scape and harvest it while tender.
Popular Garlic Varieties
Hardneck Garlic Varieties
Hardneck garlic is often grouped into types such as Purple Stripe, Rocambole, and Porcelain. Here are a few favorites:
- Chesnok Red – A purple stripe variety known for sweet, rich flavor when roasted.
- German Extra Hardy – Porcelain type with robust flavor and big cloves.
- Purple Stripe garlics – Vibrant skins, complex flavor, excellent for roasting.
- Purple Glazer – Mild, smooth taste, easy to peel.
Browse all hardneck seed garlic.
Softneck Garlic Varieties
Softneck garlic includes types such as Artichoke and Silverskin, often chosen for high yields and long storage. Popular picks include:
- California Early White – Mild, early harvest, great for braiding.
- California Late White – Heat-tolerant with excellent shelf life.
- Organic Purple Italian – Full flavor, perfect for roasting.
- Inchelium Red – A favorite softneck with mild, nutty flavor.
Shop all softneck seed garlic.
What About Elephant Garlic (and “Russian Garlic”)?
Elephant garlic isn’t true garlic—it’s a leek relative. Its giant bulbs are mild and slightly onion-like, making them fun for roasting whole.
Some gardeners (and older references) use “Russian garlic” to mean Elephant garlic. If you see the term used that way, just know it’s not the same as true hardneck or softneck garlic.
Growing Garlic: Planting to Harvest
Planting Garlic
Garlic is usually planted in the fall. In warmer climates, some softneck varieties can also be planted in early spring. Follow these steps for strong, uniform bulbs:
- Loosen soil 8–10 inches deep and enrich with compost.
- Separate the garlic head into individual cloves, keeping papery skins intact.
- Plant cloves 2 inches deep, root side down, spacing them 4–6 inches apart.
- Mulch with straw or leaves for insulation and weed control.
For more details, see our Garlic Growing Guide, How to Grow Garlic, and 9 Steps for Big Garlic.
Garlic Care
- Water regularly but avoid soggy soil.
- Use soaker hoses to water deeply at the roots.
- Remove scapes from hardneck types to send energy back to the garlic bulb.
- Weed often and keep mulch in place.
For seasonal care, see how to care for garlic over the winter.
Harvesting Garlic
Knowing when to harvest is key:
- Hardneck garlic: Harvest when about half the leaves are brown.
- Softneck garlic: Harvest when bottom leaves are brown but upper leaves are still green.
Use a fork to gently lift each garlic bulb. Avoid tugging, which can damage the bulb wrappers. See our harvesting garlic guide.
Storing Garlic
After harvest, cure garlic for 2–3 weeks in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated area. Trim roots and stalks after curing.
- Keep at 60–65°F with moderate humidity.
- Use mesh tubing or paper bags for airflow.
- For accuracy, monitor conditions with a thermometer/hygrometer.
Conclusion
The difference between softneck and hardneck garlic is more than just appearance—it’s about flavor, storage, and climate. Hardneck garlic is perfect for bold flavors and cold regions, while softneck garlic is best for long storage and warmer gardens.
By understanding hardneck vs softneck, you can choose the right garlic for your kitchen and climate. Whether you want scapes, easy-to-peel large cloves, or long shelf life, there’s a variety to fit your needs.
Explore the many types of garlic, plant healthy cloves a few inches deep, and enjoy your own flavorful harvest season after season.
FAQs: Hardneck Garlic vs. Softneck Garlic
Which is better: hardneck or softneck garlic?
Which garlic stores longer, hardneck or softneck?
Do softneck garlic varieties produce scapes?
Which garlic is best for cold climates?
Which garlic is best for warm climates?
Can you braid hardneck garlic?
Can I plant grocery store garlic?
Is elephant garlic the same as “Russian garlic”?
28 comments
Dorothy, in zone 5 you should grow hardneck garlic. Look for varieties that say does well in cold winters. Plant it in October and make sure you put down a thick layer of mulch in the winter to protect from freezing. In the spring remove some of the mulch and fertilize it.
What is the best garlic for me to plant in zone 5? I am new to growing it. So far, it’s been a bomb for 2 years!
SJ, the garlic should be growing in full sun.
I have planted both varieties in my garden (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Y9QMm9CSXIpjwWU-J81ZA?view_as=subscriber) , soft neck growing in indirect sun and full shade, not sure how bulbs would be.
Hard neck plants look more strong and healthier compare to their counter parts.
Cmartcookie, it is very difficult to tell the difference between the hardnecks when just harvesting, unless you planted ones that have very different colored wrappers. It is easier to tell the difference between a hardneck and softneck. Best thing to have done was mark the rows when you planted them. The garlic you buy will arrive as whole bulbs, unless you get elephant garlic, which the bulb may be broken up into cloves. It is best to have bulbs arrive as full bulbs and not to break them up into individual cloves until you are ready to plant. Not sure about how much sand to add if any. The information about selecting garlic is not in the growing guide, but you should find what you need in this article.