Garlic has been an important part of human cuisine and medicine for over thousands of years. The use of garlic dates back to ancient civilizations. Including the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans. Nowadays, more and more home gardeners growing their own garlic because of its unmistakable flavor, aroma, and health benefits. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering what type of garlic to grow. In this blog post, we’ll explore the how to grow hardneck garlic and provide you with some tips on how to grow them successfully.
Hardneck and softneck are the two main types of garlic you’ll encounter when deciding what to plant in your garden. Hardneck garlics, which are typically the more flavorful garlic. They have a stiff, woody central stalk around which the cloves are arranged. They are often more cold-hardy, making them ideal for northern climates. And they produce a delightful edible flower stalk, called a scape. On the other hand, softneck garlics have a pliable stalk that can be easily braided. They produce more cloves, although smaller, and have a longer shelf life. This makes them a popular choice for growers in warmer climates. Regardless of the type you choose, both hardneck and softneck garlics will bring a savory punch to your culinary creations. Read more about growing 10 different varieties of soft neck garlic on my post here.
German While Garlic
Let’s start by exploring the German White Garlic, a popular variety among the hardneck types. Renowned for its robust and rich flavor with a slight hint of heat. German White Garlic features large, well-formed cloves covered in white skin. It’s ideal for roasting and a star in many culinary dishes.
This garlic thrives best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. It prefers well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter. To prepare your garden for planting, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Then mix in compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to boost nutrient levels.
Planting of German White Garlic is typically done in the fall, about six weeks before the ground freezes. Break apart the garlic bulbs into individual cloves. And plant them pointy end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Cover the planted garlic with a thick layer of organic mulch like straw to provide insulation over the winter months.
Harvesting usually takes place in the summer, when the lower leaves start to brown. Dig up the bulbs carefully, brush off the soil, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight for about two weeks. After curing, trim off the roots and stalks. And store your garlic in a cool, dry place. Properly stored German White Garlic can last up to six months. Remember, the goal is to harvest and store enough to last until the next year’s harvest. This will keep the cycle of delicious, home-grown garlic going.
Music Garlic
Next up is Music Garlic, a highly sought-after hardneck variety known for its excellent taste and large, easy-to-peel cloves. This garlic delivers a strong, spicy flavor that becomes mellow and sweet upon cooking, making it a chef’s favorite.
Music Garlic is a hardy type and can be grown successfully in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8. It has a preference for well-drained, fertile soil. To prepare your garden, till the soil about 12 inches deep. Then incorporate a rich compost or slow-release granular fertilizer to improve soil fertility.
Planting Music Garlic is typically done in the fall, around the same time as German White. Typically about six weeks before the ground hardens with frost. Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves, planting each clove pointy end up, approximately 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. A layer of organic mulch such as straw should be added to provide winter insulation.
Harvesting Music Garlic happens in the summer, usually when half of the leaves turn brown. Carefully unearth the bulbs, brush off any excess soil, and let the garlic cure. The curing process should take place in a dry, ventilated space away from direct sunlight and continue for about two weeks. Once cured, trim the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry area. Properly stored Music Garlic can last up to nine months, ensuring you a steady supply until the next growing season.
Chesnok Red Garlic
Next we have Chesnok Red Garlic, another standout hardneck variety. This garlic is renowned for its unique sweet flavor with a touch of spice, making it perfect for roasting and baking. Chesnok Red Garlic features medium-sized bulbs with purple-striped skins and usually has about 5-10 cloves per bulb.
This garlic is a cold-hardy, doing exceptionally well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Like its counterparts, it prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. To prepare your garden for planting Chesnok Red, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Then mix in compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to enrich the soil nutrient-wise.
Planting Chesnok Red Garlic follows the same pattern as most other hardneck types. It is typically done in the fall, around six weeks before the ground freezes. Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointy end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. A top layer of organic mulch such as straw can be added to provide winter insulation.
Harvesting of Chesnok Red Garlic usually occurs in the summer, just like other hardneck varieties, when the lower half of the leaves start to turn brown. Carefully dig up the bulbs, lightly brush off the soil, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from direct sunlight for about two weeks. After curing, trim the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry location. Properly stored Chesnok Red Garlic can last up to six months.
Georgian Fire Garlic
Georgian Fire Garlic, an exceptional hardneck variety known for its fiery heat and robust flavor. This garlic is characterized by its large bulbs with purple-striped skins, housing about 4-6 fat, easy-to-peel cloves. Georgian Fire Garlic is especially esteemed in Eastern European cooking for its robust spice profile.
Georgian Fire thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, making it adaptable to a variety of climates. Similar to other hardneck types, this garlic variety prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. To prepare your garden till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. And as always amend with compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to enhance the soil nutrients.
Planting of Georgian Fire Garlic typically happens in fall, roughly six weeks before the ground freezes. Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointy end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. As with the other varieties, cover the planted garlic cloves with a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, to provide insulation during the winter months.
Harvesting of Georgian Fire Garlic usually takes place in the summer when the lower leaves start to brown. Dig up the bulbs carefully, brush off the excess soil, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for about two weeks. After curing, trim off the roots and stalks, and store your garlic in a cool, dry place. Properly stored Georgian Fire Garlic can last up to six months.
Purple Glazer Garlic
Next on the list is the Purple Glazer Garlic, a hardneck variety esteemed for its visually appealing bulbs and delightful flavor profile. This garlic is noted for its vivid, royal purple bulb wrappers that make it a standout among other varieties. The flavor of Purple Glazer is robust and strong. Although it doesn’t leave a long-lasting garlic aftertaste, which is perfect for fresh summer salads and pesto.
Purple Glazer Garlic thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, demonstrating its adaptability to a spectrum of climates. This garlic variety prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. To prepare your garden for planting Purple Glazer, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and incorporate compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to boost the soil’s nutrient content.
Planting this garlic in the fall, about six weeks before the ground freezes. Break the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointy end up, roughly 2 inches deep and spaced 4-6 inches apart. Adding a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, over the planted cloves will offer insulation during the winter months.
The harvesting of Purple Glazer Garlic usually takes place in the summer when the lower leaves start to turn brown. Carefully dig up the bulbs, brush off any excess soil, and allow them to cure in a dry, ventilated area out of direct sunlight for approximately two weeks. Once cured, trim off the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry location. Properly stored Purple Glazer Garlic can last up to six months.
Rosewood Garlic
Rosewood garlic is a distinctive hardneck variety, appreciated for its robust and full-bodied flavor. Its large bulbs, filled with fewer but larger cloves, make it a favorite among home cooks. This garlic variety thrives in cooler climates, making it particularly suitable for zones 4-7.
Soil preparation for Rosewood garlic is crucial for a healthy growth cycle. This type of garlic prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Enrich your soil with organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure several weeks before planting to ensure your garlic has the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Planting season for Rosewood garlic generally falls in late autumn, around October to December. Plant individual cloves approximately 2-3 inches deep and 6 inches apart, making sure that the pointed end is facing upwards. After planting, cover the cloves with soil and apply a layer of mulch to help regulate soil temperature and maintain moisture levels.
Harvesting Rosewood garlic typically occurs in late summer, when the lower leaves start to yellow and wilt. Using a spade, gently lift the bulbs from the soil, brush off excess dirt, and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks. For storage, keep them in a cool, dry place. When properly stored, Rosewood garlic can last up to 6-8 months. The distinct flavor and hardiness of Rosewood garlic make it an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking a rewarding cultivation experience.
Romanian Red Garlic
Romanian Red Garlic, a popular hardneck variety that is esteemed for its strong, spicy flavor. Also it’s high allicin content, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. This garlic variety presents large bulbs with white skins streaked with red, usually housing about 4-6 cloves per bulb.
This garlic is quite hardy, flourishing particularly well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. It shares similar soil preferences with other hardneck types, favoring well-drained soil rich in organic matter. To prepare your garden for planting Romanian Red, till the soil to a depth of approximately 12 inches. Then as always mix in compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to increase the soil’s nutrient content.
The planting of Romanian Red Garlic generally happens in the fall, typically six weeks before the ground freezes. Break apart the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointy end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. A layer of organic mulch such as straw can be added over the planted cloves to provide winter insulation.
The harvesting of Romanian Red Garlic is usually done in the summer when the lower leaves of the plants start to turn brown. Carefully dig up the bulbs, lightly brush off the soil, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for about two weeks. After curing, trim the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry spot. Properly stored Romanian Red Garlic can last up to nine months.
Spanish Roja Garlic
Next is Spanish Roja Garlic, a highly regarded hardneck variety known for its complex and full-bodied flavor. This garlic variety is often referred to as the “true garlic flavor” due to its classic, strong, spicy taste that lingers deliciously. Spanish Roja Garlic features medium-sized bulbs covered with white skin streaked with purple. They usually containing about 8-12 cloves per bulb.
This garlic is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 2-9, indicating its ability to adapt to a wide range of climates. Similar to other garlic types, Spanish Roja prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. To prepare your garden for planting Spanish Roja, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Then add compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to improve the soil’s nutrient profile.
Planting of Spanish Roja Garlic typically happens in the fall, around six weeks before the ground freezes. Break up the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointy end upwards. Plant them 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, over the planted cloves to provide insulation during the winter months.
Harvesting usually takes place in the summer when the lower leaves start to brown. Carefully unearth the bulbs, brush off the surplus soil, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for about two weeks. Once cured, trim off the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry place. When properly stored, Spanish Roja Garlic can last up to six months, guaranteeing a steady supply until your next planting season.
Siberian Garlic
Siberian Garlic, a hardneck variety highly praised for its distinctive, robust flavor and remarkable health benefits, including high allicin and antioxidant content. These bulbs are typically medium to large in size, featuring white skin with light purple streaks and housing about 5-8 cloves per bulb.
Siberian Garlic is very hardy and grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, demonstrating its resilience against harsh winter conditions. Like its garlic peers, Siberian Garlic prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. To prepare your garden for planting, till the soil to a depth of approximately 12 inches and enrich it with compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to augment the soil’s nutrient value.
Planting of Siberian Garlic usually happens in the fall, ideally six weeks before the ground freezes. Separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them with the pointy end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. For winter protection, you can cover the planted cloves with a layer of organic mulch such as straw.
Harvesting of Siberian Garlic typically occurs in the summer when the lower leaves begin to brown. Carefully extricate the bulbs, lightly brush off any excess soil, and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for about two weeks. Once cured, trim the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry environment. With proper storage, Siberian Garlic can last up to nine months, ensuring you have a steady supply until the next planting season.
Purple Stripe Garlic
Purple Stripe Garlic, an exquisite hardneck variety appreciated for its vivid purple-striped skin and its gourmet-quality flavor. The Purple Stripe Garlic is known for its medium to large-sized bulbs, containing around 8-12 cloves per bulb. Its flavor is rich and complex, making it a preferred choice among chefs worldwide.
Purple Stripe Garlic is quite versatile and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, signifying its tolerance to various climatic conditions. Like other garlic types, Purple Stripe also prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. To prime your garden for planting Purple Stripe, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to amplify the soil’s nutrient density.
The planting process for Purple Stripe Garlic typically takes place in the fall, approximately six weeks before the ground freezes, offering it an opportunity to establish roots before winter sets in. Split up the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointy end up, roughly 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. To protect the planted cloves during winter, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw.
Harvesting of Purple Stripe Garlic usually occurs in the summer when the lower leaves start to turn brown. Carefully dig up the bulbs, knock off any loose soil, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for about two weeks. After curing, trim off the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry place. With proper storage, Purple Stripe Garlic can last up to eight months, securing a continuous supply until your next planting season.
Happy Gardening!
If you are looking to start growing your garlic garden, you have a significant choice of what type of hardneck garlic you can plant. Explore these ten different types of garlic, and find the perfect variety for you. Garlic is a versatile crop, and it grows well in most climates with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Remember to plant during the fall and to water regularly throughout the growing process. A proper harvest will lead to a bumper crop and, with the right method, excellent homemade garlic. Enjoy growing your garlic!
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