Organic Messidor Garlic (lb)

Organic Messidor seed garlic is a French white softneck developed within the garlic tradition of the Drôme region. It became known among growers for vigorous plants and smooth, round, creamy white bulbs. This Artichoke type combines balanced flavor, multiple cloves, flexible stems for braiding, and a strong fit for the mild-winter conditions represented by Zones 7–10.

Messidor brings the polished look of a French white garlic to the home garden. Its vigorous plants finish with smooth, creamy bulbs that look beautiful in a basket or braid, and the layered cloves provide useful sizes for both roasting and everyday seasoning. Because it is a non-bolting softneck, there is no scape chore in spring. Grow it when you want a mild-to-medium garlic with tidy presentation and an easy fit in warmer winter regions.

The flavor is mild to medium, rounded, and easy to use across a wide range of dishes. Mince it for vinaigrettes and herb sauces, sauté it as the aromatic base for soups and grains, or roast whole cloves for a sweeter, softer result. Creamy white bulbs look especially handsome in a kitchen braid, and the varied clove sizes let cooks match large cloves to roasting and small cloves to seasoning.

When growing Messidor, give this French softneck a sunny fall planting in the milder-winter conditions it favors. Loose soil helps the round bulbs form cleanly, while regular spring watering supports their vigorous top growth. There is no routine scape removal; instead, watch for the foliage to yellow as mid-summer approaches and taper irrigation. Lift the bulbs before the wrappers deteriorate, then cure them in an airy shaded place with the stems left long for braiding.

Variety Details

• Type: French Artichoke softneck garlic
• Flavor: Mild to medium, balanced, and savory
• Bulbs & Cloves: Typically 10–13 cloves per bulb; bulb size and count vary with growing conditions
• Appearance: Large, round bulbs with smooth creamy white wrappers
• Planting Time: Fall
• Approximate Harvest: Mid-summer; timing varies by climate and planting date
• Zones & Climate: Zones 7–10; selected for mild-winter growing regions
• Storage: A useful keeper when completely cured and stored dry
• Something Special: A French white garlic rooted in the celebrated Drôme growing tradition

Compare Garlic Varieties

For planting and variety guidance, visit the Garlic Resource Center, use the Garlic Selector, or browse all Seed Garlic & Shallots. For a side-by-side look at flavor, type, harvest timing, and more, open the downloadable Fall 2026 Garlic Varieties Summary (PDF).