Item Number: FP509
Organic Early Purple Italian Garlic (lb)
One of our Most Popular Artichoke Softneck
Organic Early Purple Italian Garlic is a flavorful softneck variety known for its eye-catching purple-streaked bulbs and reliable garden performance. Each bulb typically holds 8–12 cloves wrapped in tan skins beneath a decorative white and purple outer layer. With a mild, classic garlic taste, this variety is a kitchen staple—perfect for raw dishes, roasting, and everything in between.
This variety thrives in warmer climates and excels with a fall planting schedule, maturing by early to midsummer. Early Purple Italian Garlic grows vigorously in fertile, well-drained soil and responds well to consistent moisture. Widely grown around Gilroy, California—the “Garlic Capital of the World”—this softneck garlic is an excellent choice for dependable harvests and long-term storage.
Beloved by chefs and home gardeners alike, this variety combines appealing flavor, attractive coloring, and adaptability. Whether you’re planting for performance or flavor, Early Purple Italian delivers both. Its mild, balanced heat and smooth texture make it ideal for year-round culinary use, from dressings to roasts to homemade garlic bread.
- Softneck Garlic with purple-striped wrappers and tan-skinned cloves.
- Approximately 8–12 cloves per bulb and 5–6 bulbs per pound.
- Mild flavor with subtle sweetness and mellow warmth.
- Ideal for fall planting; grows well in warm climates.
- Thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil; harvest in early to midsummer.
- Excellent storage life; a favorite for raw and cooked dishes.
- Grown in Washington and popular around Gilroy, CA.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: Early Purple Italian garlic is prized for its mild yet savory flavor that deepens when roasted. This softneck variety delivers a mellow warmth and subtle sweetness, making it a versatile choice for fresh dishes like salsas and salad dressings, as well as rich soups, sauces, and oven-roasted meals.
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Aroma Profile: When crushed or minced, the cloves release a gentle, comforting aroma that’s less pungent than stronger varieties. The scent intensifies during cooking, contributing a savory richness to everything from sautés to stews. The aromatic presence is perfect for infusing both subtle and bold flavor profiles.
Planting Time
Early Purple Italian Garlic is typically planted in the fall, 4–6 weeks before the first expected frost, to ensure root development before winter. In warmer regions, it may also be planted in early spring. Fall planting is preferred to encourage robust growth and large bulb formation.
Softneck Growth Habit
Unlike hardneck varieties, this softneck garlic does not produce scapes, which makes it easier to braid and store. Its flexible stalks and long shelf life make it a popular variety for both market growers and home gardeners who value extended storage and minimal maintenance.
Read our blog about The Differences Between Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic to learn more.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
After harvesting in early to midsummer, allow the green tops to dry and turn fully brown for proper curing. Hang or lay the softneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space. Curing enhances the garlic’s flavor and ensures optimal storage conditions, keeping bulbs fresh for months.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To extend storage life, wait for the foliage to brown before harvesting. Cure the bulbs in an airy environment to maintain their smooth texture and rich flavor. This softneck garlic adds depth to everything from sauces to marinades while retaining freshness long after harvest.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Freezing cured garlic is an excellent way to preserve its flavor. Depending on your cooking needs, freeze whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or unpeeled), or minced portions. Avoid freezing freshly harvested (uncured) garlic, as excess moisture can lead to a mushy texture and diminished flavor after thawing.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer high-quality softneck garlic like Early Purple Italian, grown by experienced farmers and selected for strong germination and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, this variety is ideal for fall planting and performs especially well in warmer zones. Place your order today and explore our full selection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties to grow a garden full of vibrant, flavorful garlic.
** For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center and try out our Garlic Selector Tool to find the perfect garlic for your growing zone and tastes. Or check out all of our Garlic Learning Blogs where our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips to help you learn how to successfully grow garlic bulbs.**
Check Your Zone Compatibility:
Our Guarantee To You
Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
We cannot delay ship garlic/shallots. They will be shipped as soon as they are in stock.
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, ID, PR, GU, VI
Shipping Weight: 1.1 lb
Dimensions: 5.0"L x 3.0"W x 3.0"H
Features
Features
- Bulb
- Container Compatible
- Easy to Peel Cloves
- Flavor Pick
- Medium Flavor
- Softneck
- WSDA Certified Organic
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Seed Garlic Guarantee (When Planted by November 15th)
Claim Deadline is 45 Days from Purchase or Delivery. (Claims placed after December 31st will be denied.)
What We Guarantee
Our only guarantee is that the seed garlic we sell will germinate, provided you follow the steps listed in our Garlic Planting & Growing Guide. This guarantee is only available to customers who purchase their seed garlic directly from us.
What We Cannot Guarantee
We cannot guarantee that your garlic will remain alive & healthy, or sizes up properly, as there are too many variables beyond our control to be able to do so (i.e. soil preparation, fertilization, weed and pest control, temperature control, irrigation, etc).
How to Request a Credit
If you encounter a significant lack of germination of your garlic (over 50%), please contact us within 45 days of delivery. If we determine that your garlic had a significant lack of germination, we will issue you a credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of your garlic (excluding shipping).* This 45-day time frame is meant to allow you up to 2 weeks to plant your garlic, and up to 4 weeks to check for signs of growth.
(*) We reserve the right to not issue credit for items already replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence of the lack of germination of your garlic.
