There are two basic types of garlic available to plant–hardneck and softneck varieties. So how do you decide which one to grow? If you live in a region with very mild winters, the softneck garlic will perform better than hardnecks. Softnecks store much longer and have a milder flavor. Hardneck garlic requires colder winter temperatures to make large bulbs, so plant this variety if you live in a region with very frigid winters. If you live in a warm winter region and want to grow big hardneck bulbs, you will need to vernalize them first (place bulbs in a really cold refrigerator for a minimum of 3-4 weeks).
So now you have settled on either a hardneck or softneck, how do you choose within those groups. Well, hardnecks can be mild to very, very spicy. Read the description before buying to get the flavor you desire. If you want something really mild, and you live in a mild winter region, plant some Elephant garlic. It is not even garlic but a member of the leek family, but it smells and tastes like garlic. If you are unsure about what to grow, consider ordering our Garlic Combo Pack. It contains a mix of hardneck, softneck, and elephant garlic along with French Red Shallots.
🌿 Explore More: Garlic Varieties & Growing Guides
- 🧄 Growing Garlic: What’s the Difference Between Softneck and Hardneck Varieties?
Discover the key differences between garlic types—how they grow, store, and taste—so you can choose the perfect variety for your region and kitchen. - 🌱 How to Grow Garlic – A Growing Guide
From choosing cloves to harvesting and curing, this comprehensive guide covers every step of the garlic-growing journey. - 🌿 Preparing Your Soil for Planting Garlic
Garlic thrives in fertile, well-amended soil. Learn how to rotate crops, improve phosphorus levels, and time your summer cover crops for the best results. - 🧪 Common Garlic Diseases and Pests: How to Identify Them and Effective Organic Control Measures
Get ahead of common problems by identifying symptoms early and managing pests and diseases organically. - 🛡️ Limited Seed Garlic Guarantee
We stand by our garlic seed—germination is guaranteed when planted by November 15th and grown per our guide. Find out how to qualify and submit claims if needed. - 🛒 Shop Our Seed Garlic Collection
Explore our full selection of certified seed garlic—featuring hardneck, softneck, and elephant garlic varieties, plus combo packs and shallots for every garden and growing zone.
