Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic

Before you buy garlic to plant, it’s important to know the differences between hardneck vs softneck garlic. Some different features between the two types are taste, location, clove size, and storage length.

The Basic Differences Between Hardneck and Softneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic basics:

• Produces garlic scapes
• Has a tough inner stem (this is why it’s called hardneck)
• One layer of large cloves
• Less cloves
• Can’t be braided in storage
• Best for cold growing zones
• Robust flavor
• Shorter storage life

Softneck garlic basics:

• Does NOT produce garlic scapes
• Flexible stalks 
• Smaller cloves
• Several layers of cloves in each bulb
• Can be braided and hung as decor and/or food
• Best for warm growing zones
• Mild Flavor
• Longer Storage life

Hardneck garlic In-depth Details

features

A characteristic of hardneck garlic is one layer of cloves that surround a hard inner stem. They are large to jumbo in size and easy to separate from each other.

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Another nice feature of hardneck garlic is it’s very easy to remove the skins from each clove.

growing zones

Hardneck garlic is grows best in cold regions. This includes US growing zones 2-6 and north of latitude 37 degrees. 

However, some widely adapted varieties will grow as far south as US zone 8. I personally live at latitude 36 degrees, zone 6b (slightly more southern than recommended) and can easily grow large hardneck garlic bulbs. 

Hardneck garlic requires exposure to cold temperatures for a period of time. This is called vernalization.

Therefore, the best results are achieved when the garlic cloves are exposed to 40-50ºF weather outdoors for at least 6 weeks in winter. In a warmer growing area (zones 7-8), you may need to help mother nature along by refrigerating your planting stock. 

storage

Hardneck garlic has a 3-6 month shelf life in ideal conditions. Ever wonder why you don’t see much hardneck garlic at the grocery store? The shorter shelf life is the main reason why. 

Hardneck garlic can be stored in bunches or clipped at the stem. Due to the hard neck it can’t be braided for storage.

Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes form only on hardneck varieties. These are tasty culinary treats and it’s almost like getting a double harvest when you can enjoy the scapes before the bulbs.

It is best to remove garlic scapes because it helps produce a larger bulb. We like to dehydrate or freeze dry garlic scapes and make garlic scape powder. I also use them in dishes like skillet chicken pot pie.

Recommended Varieties

• Music
• German Extra Hardy

Softneck Garlic In-depth Details

garlic features

One thing to note is softneck garlic has several layers of cloves in each bulb and no hard inner stem. The cloves are usually medium in size. As you move towards the center of the bulb the cloves are small.

Another defining feature is softneck garlic bulbs are also have skins that are more difficult to remove.

growing zones

Softneck garlic grows best in warm areas and is not recommended for cold regions. They thrive in southern areas with mild winters. However, sources say it’s possible to grow in zones 3-9.

If attempting to grow in the north, a proper amount of mulch will help you achieve a successful harvest.

storage

On the other hand, softneck garlic has a 10-12 month shelf life in ideal conditions. It’s also easily braided and hung as decor. This makes dried softneck garlic storage beautiful, space saving, and easy to use.

Recommended Varieties

• California White
• Inchelium Red

Conclusion | Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic

It’s so helpful to know the differences between hardneck vs softneck garlic. What you choose to grow depends on your location as the first consideration.

But if you’re lucky to be in an area that can grow either type, you can decided which features are more appealing to you- whether it’s long storage time, a strong robust flavor, or just wanting to have beautiful garlic braids!