Garlic – Hardneck vs. Softneck, The Best Type for Your Garden

Garlic is a staple in many kitchens around the world, known for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. But did you know there are different varieties of garlic – hardneck vs. softneck? Understanding the differences between these two types can help gardeners choose the best variety for their growing conditions and culinary preferences. We will explore the differences between hardneck and softneck garlic varieties to help you decide which is better suited for your garden.

Years ago, before we moved to the country, I did not know that there were hundreds of different varieties of garlic. Like many people, I purchased my garlic at grocery stores without thinking about it. Once we moved onto our property and started a large garden to grow our own organic fresh vegetables, I discovered that there was a lot more to garlic than I realized. I found that it would be best to grow hardneck garlic in our long, cold winters. We decided to start a garlic farm on our property with the knowledge we gained growing garlic.

Here are the different characteristics of garlic – hardneck vs. softneck.

Physical Characteristics

Hardneck garlic typically has a stiff central flowering stem called a garlic scape. Softneck garlic, on the other hand, does not produce garlic scapes; instead, they have flexible necks that can be made into garlic braids. Hardneck garlic bulbs tend to produce larger bulbs with fewer cloves, while softneck garlic bulbs are smaller but contain more cloves.

Flavor Profile

Hardneck garlic is known for its robust and complex flavor profile, often described as spicy or hot. Softneck garlic tends to have a milder taste with hints of sweetness. The choice between the two varieties ultimately depends on your flavor preference and the dishes you plan to use the garlic in.

Growing Conditions

Hardneck garlic thrives in colder climates and requires a period of vernalization (cold treatment) to produce bulbs. Softneck garlic, on the other hand, is more adaptable to different growing conditions and is better suited for warm climates with mild winters, as it does not require as much cold exposure to produce large bulbs. Consider your local climate and growing season when choosing between hardneck and softneck garlic.

Once you’ve chosen your variety, these secrets to growing the largest and best garlic cover everything from soil prep to harvest timing.

Storage

Due to its higher moisture content, hardneck garlic has a shorter shelf life than softneck garlic. However, gardeners seek hardneck garlic for its ability to produce flavorful scapes that can be harvested before the bulbs mature. Softneck garlic stores well for several months if properly cured and stored in a cool, dry place. Garlic braids are made out of softneck garlic.

Culinary Uses

Hardneck garlic’s bold flavor makes it ideal for roasting or sautéing, while softneck garlic’s milder taste makes it versatile for raw applications like salads or dressings.

Garlic is also one of the best natural pest deterrents in the garden — it made the list of 30 Flowers and Herbs That Repel Pests Naturally for good reason.

Hardneck garlic (Allium sativum ophioscorodon)

These varieties are known for their stiff central stem, or scape, which emerges from the center of the bulb. The stems, known as scapes, are often harvested before they fully mature and can be used in cooking to add a mild garlic flavor to dishes. Hardneck garlic bulbs typically have fewer cloves than softneck varieties, but they tend to be larger in size.

There are several types with many varieties of hardneck garlic, each with its own unique characteristics.

The most popular hardneck types include:

Rocambole

Rocambole garlic is popular for its rich flavor and easy-to-peel cloves. Its rich, complex flavor with a spicy kick makes it ideal for dishes like roasted meats or pasta sauces.

Porcelain

Porcelain garlic has large cloves and a mild yet lingering taste, perfect for those who prefer a milder garlic flavor.

Purple Stripe

Purple Stripe garlic has stunning purple stripes on its bulb wrappers and offers a bold and pungent flavor that is great for adding a kick to soups or stir-fries.

Additional types of hardneck types that are not as popular :

Asiatic

Asiatic garlic is an heirloom variety that originated in Asia. It has a sweet flavor when cooked but a hot flavor when eaten raw.

Creole

Creole garlic is a variety that has solid purple cloves and weak stemmed scapes.

Turban

Turban garlic usually have beaks between 6 and 9 inches long and are the second-longest of all garlic varieties. A garlic beak is located at the top of a garlic plant’s scape, or flower stalk, where it narrows down to its endpoint.

   

Here are some of the popular hardneck varieties:

• German Red (Rocambole): German Red garlic is one of gardeners’ most popular hardneck varieties. This garlic is known for its strong flavor and large cloves. The variety is easy to grow and produces beautiful bulbs with vibrant red skins. German Red garlic is perfect for adding a bold flavor to your dishes. USDA  hardiness zone 3-8.
• Music (Porcelain): Music garlic is another favorite among gardeners due to its robust flavor and easy-to-peel cloves. It has a mild heat level and a sweet aftertaste, making it versatile for cooking. Music garlic produces large bulbs with an average of 4-6 cloves per bulb. It is also known for its long storage life. USDA  hardiness zone 1-9 but does best in 2-6.
• Chesnok Red (Purple Stripe): Chesnok Red garlic is a favorite for its rich, complex flavor that intensifies when cooked. It has beautiful purple stripes on its skin and typically produces 8-12 cloves per bulb. USDA  hardiness zone 5 to 8
• Siberian (Purple Stripe): Siberian garlic is a cold-hardy variety that thrives in northern climates. It has a mild flavor with hints of sweetness and produces medium-sized bulbs with 6-8 cloves each. Siberian garlic is perfect for gardeners in colder regions looking to grow their own flavorful garlic. USDA  hardiness zone 3 to 4.
• Spanish Roja (Rocambole): Spanish Roja garlic is prized for its bold, spicy flavor that adds depth to any dish. It has large cloves and typically produces 8-10 cloves per bulb. Spanish Roja garlic has excellent storage qualities, making it a great choice for preserving your harvest. USDA hardiness zone 5-7.
• Dunganski (Purple Stripe): Duganksi grows well in southern states but can also be grown in northern states. It is great for roasting, as it gets a nutty flavor when roasted. It is a zesty, sweet garlic that is not overpowering in flavor. USDA hardiness zone 3-9.
• German Extra Hardy (Porcelain): German Extra Hardy is one of the most popular heirloom garlic varieties. It grows well in cold, northern climates. The bulbs are large and easy to peel, and they have a strong garlic flavor. USDA hardiness zone 4 to 5.

Specialty Garlic

Elephant Garlic

Despite its name, elephant garlic isn’t garlic at all. It’s a member of the leek family and has a much milder taste than true garlic. Its cloves are larger than any other garlic type, and each can be several times the size of an average garlic clove, making it perfect for roasting. Elephant garlic is also relatively easy to grow.   We love growing elephant garlic not only for its large size but also for its mild flavor. Elephant garlic falls into the hardneck variety because it grows a central flowering stalk. USDA hardiness zone 3 to 9.

Softneck Garlic  (Allium sativum sativum)

Softneck garlic varieties are known for their versatility and long shelf life, making them a popular choice among gardeners. Because of their softnecks this garlic can be braided.

There are two main softneck types:

Silverskin

Silverskin garlic is known for its long storage life and mild flavor. It has a white outer skin that easily peels away to reveal cloves with a slightly purple hue.

Artichoke

Artichoke garlic is prized for its large cloves and robust flavor. The bulbs are typically larger than silverskin garlic, with fewer but larger cloves inside. Artichoke garlic has a pinkish-purple hue and a more pungent taste compared to silverskin garlic.

Here are some softneck garlic varieties:

• Inchelium Red (Artichoke): This softneck garlic variety is known for its mild flavor and easy-to-peel cloves. It has a beautiful purple-tinged outer skin and stores well after harvest. Inchelium Red is a great all-purpose garlic that can be used in a variety of dishes. USDA hardiness zone 4-10.
• California Early (Artichoke): As the name suggests, California Early is one of the earliest softneck garlic varieties to mature. It has a strong flavor with medium heat, making it perfect for those who love bold garlic taste. This variety also stores well and can last up to six months when properly cured. USDA hardiness zone 4-10.
• Italian Late (Artichoke): Italian Late garlic is a favorite among gardeners for its large cloves and rich flavor. It has a slightly spicy taste that adds depth to any dish it’s used in. This variety does well in warmer climates and can produce large bulbs with proper care.  USDA hardiness zone 4-10.
• Lorz Italian (Artichoke): Lorz Italian garlic is another popular softneck variety known for its robust flavor and long storage life. It has large cloves that are easy to peel, making it convenient for cooking. This variety thrives in colder climates and can produce impressive yields if given the right conditions. USDA hardiness zone 4-10.
• Kettle River Giant (Artichoke): If you are looking for a truly giant garlic bulb, Kettle River Giant is the variety for you. This softneck garlic produces some of the largest bulbs you’ll ever see, with mild yet flavorful cloves that are perfect for roasting or sautéing. USDA hardiness zone 4-10.
• Nootka Rose (Silverskin): Nootka Rose is a strong flavored variety with pretty red streaks and solid red clove tips. USDA hardiness zone 4-10.
• Silverwhite (Silverskin): Silverwhite, with its beautiful white bulbs, has a milder flavor and is great for braiding. It is in USDA hardiness zone 4-10.

In conclusion, understanding the varieties of garlic – hardneck vs. softneck can help you choose the best for your gardening needs. Whether you prefer the intense flavor of hardnecks or the mild taste of softnecks, both types offer unique qualities that can enhance your dishes. Experimenting with different varieties of garlic can add depth and complexity to your meals while also providing you with a bountiful harvest from your garden.

Happy gardening!

👉 If your garlic grows scapes (lucky you!), don’t toss them—learn how to preserve garlic scapes with my favorite methods for pickling, freezing, and a few flavor-saving tricks you’ll wish you’d known sooner.

For more garden growing guides from planting to harvest, browse the Garden Problems & Fixes hub.

Read more about garlic with these posts.

• Garlic Scapes – The Hidden Gem of Your Garden Harvest
• Secrets How to Grow the Largest and Best Garlic
• Determine the Perfect Time to Harvest Garlic

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