Garlic - Understanding Hardneck and Softneck GarlicUpdated 6 months ago

When choosing garlic for your garden, it's important to understand the differences between hardneck and softneck varieties to ensure the best growth and yield for your climate.

Hardneck Garlic

Characteristics: Hard neck running down the center of the garlic head.

Growth Tip: Cut off the scape (flowering stalk) when it appears to promote bulb development. Garlic scapes are edible and delicious.

Climate: Needs approximately six weeks of temperatures below 45°F to form well-developed bulbs. Suitable for most of the U.S., but may struggle in tropical zones.

Varieties for Warm Climates: Creole Red, Ajo Rojo.

Varieties for Cold Climates: Spanish Roja, Montana Zemo, German White Stiffneck.

Optimal Growing Zones: 4-8, but can grow in zones 9-10 with sufficient cooler temperatures in winter.

Softneck Garlic

Characteristics: Does not produce a flowering scape, resulting in a more pliable neck.

Uses: Ideal for braiding into dried garlic displays for kitchen storage.

Climate: Adaptable to warmer climates and does not require cold exposure to produce well-formed bulbs. Performs well in cooler temperatures too.

Varieties: Silver White, Inchelium Red, Sicilian Artichoke, Nootka Rose.

Optimal Growing Zones: 4 and above, best in zones 6-10.

Summary

Hardneck Garlic: Best for colder climates (zones 4-8), can be grown in warmer zones with cooler winters.

Softneck Garlic: Suitable for a wide range of climates (zones 4+), performs best in zones 6-10.