Choosing the types of garlic to plant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a garlic crop, and now is the time to start thinking about fall planting. Garlic is one of the easiest crops you can grow in your garden, but choosing the right type affects everything from flavor and harvest timing to how well it performs in your climate. Garlic is planted in the fall, where it overwinters in the soil and is then harvested the following spring or summer. The variety you choose depends on several factors—some obvious and others less so.
1. Types of Garlic to Plant Based on Your Climate
There are two main types of garlic: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck varieties typically do better in the cooler climates of the North, while softnecks proliferate in the warmer climates of the South. Hardnecks produce seeds, so you can plant these by seed or clove; softnecks don’t, so planting by clove is your only option. Of course, if you live in an in-between zone, you may be able to grow some of each, but that leads us to our next consideration …
2. Choosing Garlic Types Based on Your Location
Especially when growing a crop you have little to no experience with, it’s best to plant tried-and-true varieties. Search out garlic varieties from a local farmer, garden center or seed store that have a proven track record in your area. Chances are if many others in your region have great success with a certain variety, then you will, too.
3. Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic: Scapes and Seed Considerations
If you live in an area where both hardneck and softneck garlic varieties are an option, then think about whether you want scapes or not. Scapes are the flower stalk of the garlic plant that are produced in spring and can be harvested and used as milder substitute in any recipe that calls for garlic. Scapes are also necessary if you want to save seeds, as the flower is what produces seeds. Hardneck varieties are the only ones to produce scapes; softnecks will not.
4. How Clove Size Affects Types of Garlic to Plant
When selecting cloves for planting, keep in mind that the larger the clove the larger the the bulb that it will produce.
5. Choosing Garlic Types for Flavor Preference
This might be an obvious point, but choose garlic varieties that have a flavor you desire. You may be surprised to know that garlic flavors can range from mellow to pungent. If you’re making a lot of dishes where raw garlic might be used, such as salsa, a more mellow variety may be appropriate, while you may opt for something a bit stronger if using it to dry and grind for powder. Different garlics may also have varying notes of earthiness, sweetness and spiciness, so try a few to find out what you like—or plant multiple varieties so you have options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of garlic to plant?
The two main types are hardneck and softneck garlic. Hardneck varieties are better for colder climates, while softneck types do better in warmer regions.
Should I plant hardneck or softneck garlic?
It depends on your climate and goals. Hardneck garlic produces scapes and tends to have stronger flavor, while softneck garlic stores longer and grows well in milder regions.
When is the best time to plant garlic?
Garlic is typically planted in the fall so it can establish roots before winter and be harvested the following summer.
Does garlic variety affect flavor?
Yes. Garlic flavors range from mild and sweet to strong and pungent, depending on the variety.
Choosing between the different types of garlic to plant comes down to understanding your climate, your growing space, and how you plan to use the crop. Whether you grow hardneck or softneck varieties—or experiment with both—the right choice will set the foundation for a successful harvest next season. Garlic rewards thoughtful selection up front, and a little planning now leads to stronger plants, better yields, and more consistent results in the garden.
This article about choosing the right types of garlic to plant was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
