Garlic is a must-have in any garden! It’s effortless to take care of and requires minimal space. Softneck garlic, in particular, grows well in most climates and produces larger and longer-lasting bulbs than hardneck garlic. But did you know that there are different types of soft neck garlic? Each variety differs in flavor, texture, and growth patterns. In this post, we’ll take a look at ten different types of soft neck garlic and give you tips on how to grow them. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, you’ll be able to grow garlic successfully and enjoy the flavorful cloves.
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 more flavorful, 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, making 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 my post on growing 10 different varieties of hard neck garlic by clicking here.
California Early Garlic
California Early garlic is a variety of softneck garlic that is popular for its mild and well-rounded flavor. Its bulbs are large and white, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy garlic in their culinary adventures. This type is particularly adaptable to different climates and is ideal for zones 5-9.
When it comes to soil preparation, California Early garlic prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH. A couple of weeks before planting, enrich your soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the garlic to grow.
Planting should ideally take place in the fall, usually between October and December. Plant individual cloves about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart, ensuring that the pointed end is facing upwards. Cover them with soil and apply a layer of mulch to help regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Harvesting typically occurs 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 well-ventilated place for 2 weeks. For storage, keep them in a cool, dry place. They can last up to 8 months when stored properly. Regard the California Early as an excellent option if you’re looking to spice up your dishes with home-grown garlic.
Early White Garlic
Early White garlic is another softneck variety cherished for its robust flavor and early maturity. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a slightly spicy and flavorful touch to their dishes. Well-suited for zones 5-10, Early White garlic has a broader adaptability to different climates.
Soil preparation is instrumental for the healthy growth of Early White garlic. Like its counterparts, it thrives in well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Before planting, amend your soil with organic compost or well-aged manure to ensure the garlic has the essential nutrients it needs to flourish.
Planting of Early White garlic ideally takes place in the fall, specifically between September and November. You should plant individual cloves approximately 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Make sure the pointed end of each clove is facing upward. After planting, cover the cloves with soil and add an insulating layer of mulch to help maintain consistent soil temperature and moisture.
Harvesting is usually in early summer when about half of the leaves have turned brown. Using a shovel, gently dig up the bulbs, brush off excess dirt, and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks. For storage, find a cool and dry location. Early White garlic can be stored up to 7-9 months when properly stored. Early White garlic delivers a punch of flavor and is a great addition to any home garden.
Artichoke Garlic
Artichoke garlic is regarded as the most prolific of all the softneck varieties, known for its large bulbs that can often consist of multiple layers of cloves. It is named for its resemblance to the shape of an artichoke and is appreciated for its mild flavor and the ease with which it can be grown. This variety is well-adapted to warmer climates, making it ideal for zones 7-9.
Preparing the soil for Artichoke garlic is similar to other garlic varieties. It prefers well-drained soil, with a neutral pH. Enrich your soil with organic compost or well-rotted manure several weeks prior to planting. This addition ensures that your garlic will have the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Planting season for Artichoke garlic typically falls in early autumn, between September and November. Cloves should be planted 1-2 inches deep and spaced 4-6 inches apart. Plant each clove with the pointed end facing upwards, then cover with soil. An application of mulch will help regulate soil temperature and moisture, providing an optimal environment for growth.
Harvesting Artichoke garlic usually takes place in mid to late summer, when the lower leaves have started to turn brown. To harvest, carefully dig up the bulbs, shake off any excess soil, and allow them to cure in a well-ventilated, dry area for about 2 weeks. For storage, keep them in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, Artichoke garlic can last up to 8-10 months. This hardy and prolific garlic variety is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of home-grown flavor to their dishes.
Italian Garlic
Italian garlic is a highly sought-after softneck variety, known for its strong and robust flavor. Its large, white bulbs are filled with a significant number of cloves, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a bountiful harvest. Italian garlic is well-adapted to a variety of climates, especially thriving in zones 5-9.
In terms of soil preparation, Italian garlic prefers rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Prior to planting, enrich your soil with organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure. This addition ensures your garlic will have the nutrients it needs to yield a plentiful harvest.
For Italian garlic, planting usually occurs in the fall, typically between October and December. Plant individual cloves about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, ensuring 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 retain moisture.
Harvesting Italian garlic takes place in the summer, when the bottom leaves start to turn brown. Use a fork or spade to gently lift the bulbs from the soil, brush off any excess dirt, and let them cure in a well-ventilated, dry place for about two weeks. When storing, keep them in a cool, dry place. Properly stored Italian garlic can last up to 7-9 months. With its strong flavor and long storage life, Italian garlic is a fantastic addition to any home garden.
Silver Rose Garlic
We continue our exploration with Silver Rose Garlic, an exceptional softneck variety cherished for its large, rosy-skinned bulbs and robust flavor profile. Silver Rose Garlic, being a softneck variety, is ideal for braiding, and its cloves deliver a rich, robust flavor with a hint of spiciness, making it a favorite in many culinary dishes.
Silver Rose Garlic thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, showcasing its adaptability across a variety of climatic conditions. Like other garlic varieties, it prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. To prepare your garden for planting Silver Rose, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and incorporate compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer to enhance the soil’s nutrient content.
The planting of Silver Rose Garlic generally takes place in the fall, about six to eight weeks before the ground freezes, providing it with a chance to establish roots before the winter. Break up the garlic bulb into individual cloves and plant them pointy end up, approximately 2 inches deep and spaced 4-6 inches apart. A layer of organic mulch, such as straw, can be added over the planted cloves to provide insulation during the winter months.
When it comes to harvesting, Silver Rose Garlic is typically ready in the summer when the lower leaves start to turn brown. Carefully dig up the bulbs, brush off any loose soil, and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for roughly two weeks. After curing, trim off the roots and stalk, and store your garlic in a cool, dry location. Properly stored Silver Rose Garlic can last up to a year, ensuring a steady supply until your next planting season.
Silverskin Garlic
Silverskin garlic is a popular softneck variety, lauded for its mild, yet full-bodied flavor and its long shelf life. The bulb’s silvery-white skin and multiple small cloves make it an attractive and versatile choice in cooking. This garlic variety is hardy and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of climates, particularly suited to zones 5-9.
In terms of soil preparation, Silverskin garlic prefers light, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Prior to planting, it is beneficial to enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure, which ensures the garlic has the vital nutrients it needs for a healthy growing cycle.
Planting for Silverskin garlic typically occurs in the fall, providing the bulbs plenty of time to develop throughout the winter and spring. Plant individual cloves around 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, making sure the pointed end faces upwards. After planting, cover the cloves with soil and apply a layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
Harvesting Silverskin garlic usually happens in late summer or early fall, when the lower leaves begin to yellow and wilt. Gently lift the bulbs from the soil using a fork or spade, brush off any excess dirt, and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for approximately 2 weeks. For storage, Silverskin garlic should be kept in a cool, dry place. When properly stored, Silverskin garlic can last up to 9-12 months, outlasting most other varieties. This makes Silverskin garlic an excellent choice for long-term storage and year-round use.
Inchelium Red Garlic
Inchelium Red garlic is a superb softneck variety, known for its mild but complex flavor with a hint of spiciness. This variety is highly adaptable and robust, performing exceptionally well in different climate zones, particularly suitable for zones 3-9.
For Inchelium Red garlic, soil preparation is a key step towards a successful harvest. This garlic variety thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. To prepare the soil, incorporate compost or well-aged manure a few weeks before planting. This organic matter will provide the essential nutrients Inchelium Red requires to grow and flourish.
The ideal planting season for Inchelium Red garlic is in fall, around October to December. Plant individual cloves approximately 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, ensuring the pointed end faces upwards. Once all cloves are planted, cover with soil and apply a layer of mulch to help regulate soil temperature and maintain moisture levels.
Harvesting Inchelium Red garlic is typically conducted in mid-summer when the lower leaves start to yellow and wilt. To harvest, gently lift the bulbs from the soil using a spade, brush off any excess dirt, and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks. For storage, keep the garlic in a cool, dry place. Properly stored Inchelium Red garlic can last up to 6-9 months, providing a long-lasting supply for your culinary needs. Its resilience, along with its delightful taste profile, make Inchelium Red garlic a favored option among home gardeners.
Red Toch Garlic
Red Toch Garlic is an esteemed softneck variety, known for its subtly sweet and aromatic flavor profile. This garlic variety is highly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of climates, particularly suited to zones 5-8.
As for soil preparation, Red Toch Garlic prefers rich, fertile soil with good drainage and a neutral pH. Enriching the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure a few weeks prior to planting can provide an essential nutrient base for the garlic to grow vigorously.
The best time to plant Red Toch Garlic is in the fall, usually between October to November. Plant individual cloves approximately 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, ensuring the pointed end faces upwards. After all cloves are planted, cover them with soil and apply a layer of mulch to help maintain soil temperature and moisture levels.
Harvesting Red Toch Garlic is generally done in early summer when the lower leaves begin to yellow and wilt. To harvest, carefully lift the bulbs from the soil, brush off any excess dirt, and allow them to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks. For storage, keep the garlic in a cool, dry place. When stored properly, Red Toch Garlic can last for up to 7-8 months. This durability, combined with its delightful flavor, makes Red Toch Garlic an appealing choice for home gardeners.
Creole Garlic
Creole garlic is a phenomenal softneck variety, celebrated for its rich and pungent flavor. This garlic variety is robust and can adapt well to various climates but thrives particularly well in warmer zones, making it the perfect fit for zones 7-10.
For Creole garlic, a well-prepared soil is critical for good growth. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil a few weeks before planting to provide a nutrient-rich environment for the garlic.
The optimal planting season for Creole garlic is in the fall, ideally between October and November. Plant cloves around 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, making sure the pointed end faces upwards. After planting, cover the cloves with soil and apply a layer of mulch to help regulate soil temperature and maintain moisture levels.
Harvesting of Creole garlic usually takes place in early summer when the lower leaves start to yellow and wilt. Harvest the bulbs gently, brush off any excess soil and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for about two weeks. Properly stored Creole garlic can last up to 6-8 months, making it a consistent supply for your kitchen.
French Germinador Garlic
French Germinador garlic is a reputable softneck variety, appreciated for its mild, yet full flavor. This garlic variety is quite hardy and adaptable, performing notably well in different climate zones, particularly suitable for zones 5-9.
Like other varieties, French Germinador garlic flourishes in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks prior to planting. This will provide the much-needed nutrients and enhance soil structure.
Planting for French Germinador garlic typically occurs in the fall, providing ample time for the bulbs to develop during winter and spring. Plant cloves roughly 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart, ensuring the pointed end faces upwards. After planting is completed, cover the cloves with soil and apply a layer of mulch for soil temperature regulation and moisture conservation.
French Germinador garlic is typically harvested in mid-summer when the lower leaves start to yellow. To harvest, lift the bulbs gently from the soil, brush off any excess soil, and let them cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for about two weeks. When properly stored in a cool, dry place, French Germinador garlic can last up to 7-9 months, making it a reliable choice for year-round culinary use.
Happy Gardening!
Growing garlic in your garden is a rewarding endeavor. It’s easy, requires minimal care, and adds flavor to your recipes. With these ten varieties, you’ll find the perfect one for your taste buds. Remember that garlic reproduction is through cloves, and you’ll have enough to replant for next year’s yield if you choose the right cloves. Softneck garlic types are great for novice gardeners and those who live in warmer climates.
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