There are approximately700 varieties of garlicin the man , and they are divide into two elemental category : hardneck and softneck .

One of the most vulgar question I see beginner gardeners as is how to tell the difference between a hardneck and softneck garlic ?

Hardneck Allium sativum is the closest to lifelike Allium sativum , while softneck garlic has been bred to handle commercial production . Hardneck garlic bring forth a thick flower still hunt , called a flower stalk , which leaves behind a tough papery stalk in the mature bulb . Softneck garlic does not have a flower stalk , and it has a much longer shelf animation , realise it the chief choice for commercial cultivator .

Difference Between Hardneck Garlic And Softneck Garlic

Hardneck ail tends to have a superior flavor , large cloves , and a greater cold-blooded tolerance than softneck garlic .

However , softneck garlic is more popular because it has a longer shelf lifetime and it holds up to mechanically skillful planting . So , which one should you plant?That bet on your culinary preferences and develop conditions . Of course , one of the best parts of growing Allium sativum is that it takes up very piddling space , so you may produce as many dissimilar varieties as you wish .

What is Garlic?

Garlic has been a recognized wellness nutrient and virile seasoning for millennia . Although experts have n’t been capable to narrow down on the nose what makes garlic so beneficial for your wellness , they experience there may be as many as 40 unlike chemical compounds that can improve heart , digestive , and respiratory use .

Garlic is in the Lilliacea , or lily , family . It is a monocot , meaning it has one seedling leaf and grows interchangeable to weed . Garlic ’s closest relative are onions , multiplier onion , leeks , and chives .

Garlic is a incandescent lamp formed by multiple , individual cloves . Cloves can be break off from the bulb and planted , and they will shape novel light bulb after 6 - 7 months .

Know The Difference Between Hardneck And Softneck Garlic?

The major difference between hardneck and softneck variety is how the Eugenia aromaticum are dress in the electric-light bulb .

Although there are clear-cut distinctions in bulb establishment , both types of garlic can be used interchangeably in recipes . Some may have a secure savor than others , but the difference are minimal .

Know The Difference Between Hardneck And Softneck Garlic?

While both hardneck and softneck seem alike and have a lot of the same increase necessary and habit , they are different plants with distinct characteristics and pauperism .

still , I want to go over the differences and similarity of hardneck vs softneck Allium sativum to help you to get an theme which type is unspoilt for you .

Hardneck Vs. Softneck Garlic: Flavor

Hardneck garlic is the less common anatomy of the garlic industrial plant , although it by and large has a ranking flavor . These garlic varieties are known for their deep garlicky flavor , but they are less common in foodstuff storehouse because they do n’t store well .

Many hardneck garlic varieties have an earthy , complex flavor visibility and large cloves , which makes them consummate for roasting or wipe out cutting .

There are only a few dozen varieties of softneck garlic , but they are much more common because they are well-fixed to grow . Softneck garlic has a less pronounced garlic savour , but they are easier to embark and store , so they have a more familiar flavor .

Rocambole Garlic

Hardneck Vs. Softneck Garlic: Growth Habit

Hardneck ail is the ancestor of softneck garlic . While hardnecks have retain the flowering social organization , or shaft , this timbre has been spawn out of the more consumer - favorable softneck garlic .

The shaft is a flowering husk that curls around and produces a flower in mid to late May , look on the clime geographical zone . Eventually , the bloom will form small bulbils . These bulbils check small , viable source that will grow into ripe garlic bulbs in 3 - 4 years .

Scapes are thick and stringy , which is why these types of Allium sativum are namedhardneck .

Porcelain Garlic

Softneck garlic varieties descended from hardneck change . Over clip , selective facts of life developed a garlic melody that was miss a flower stalk , which resulted in more cloves and easier braiding .

The clove in a softneck garlic bulb are arrange in layer . The cloves may be a variety of size , and they are typically asymmetric and unmanageable to peel .

Hardneck Vs. Softneck Garlic: Growing Conditions

Typically , hardneck garlic is best for cold clime and harsh wintertime produce conditions . Although most miscellanea will do well throughout a legal age of the United States , they must have a period of cold weather condition , orvernalization , in rules of order to shape Eugenia caryophyllatum .

This can be replicated by placing cloves in the electric refrigerator for a few weeks before constitute if you live in an especially ardent clime .

The flavor and sizing of the lightbulb is directly bear on to the quality of the growing conditions . Although hardneck garliccanbe grown in warmer orbit , the yield and flavor will sustain compared to cool rise condition .

Purple Stripe Garlic

Softneck Allium sativum grows best in southern climate in plentiful , well - debilitate soil . Although there are some varieties that can tolerate cold-blooded wintertime , most sort will ache in freezing temperatures .

Aside from hardnecks growing better up North and softnecks growing advantageously down South , the soil and water requirement for these two types of ail are identical .

Hardneck Vs. Softneck Garlic: Groupings

Garlic is separate into two subspecies : hardneck , orophioscorodon , and softneck , orsativum .

Each subspecies is divide into grouping with similar characteristic . Because hardneck garlic is the herald of softneck garlic , there are many more case with rich flavors and colouring material variation .

Hardneck Garlic

There are 3 major sectionalisation of hardneck garlic :

Rocambole Garlic

This is the most attempt - after , flavorful type of Allium sativum , concord to chef and specialisation cultivator . Rocambole is extremely cold-blooded tolerant , andmusthave a period of coolheaded atmospheric condition in purchase order to mature properly .

Rocambole plant visibility

Hardiness zones 2 - 9

Artichoke Garlic

Plant 2 weeks before first frost

Prefers slightly acidulent soil

Produces 8 - 12 cloves

Silverskin Garlic

Extremely cold broad

Easy to flake

Difficult to grow

Amber Noyes

inadequate shelf living ( 4 - 6 months )

Although rocambole Allium sativum can stick out fond climate zones , it performs in force in the northern 1/3rdof the United States .

Porcelain Garlic

This hardneck can tolerate warmer climates well than rocambole ail , which make it a democratic option for southerly climate zones . Porcelain garlic has expectant , easy - to - skin Eugenia aromaticum with a pleasant , strong flavor .

Porcelain works profile :

Produces 2 - 7 clove

Cold tolerant

Very easy to peel

easygoing to grow

Good ledge life ( 7 - 9 calendar month )

Most varieties of porcelain Allium sativum have a slightly shimmery appearance , which has contributed to their popularity in the horticulture and culinary man .

Purple Stripe Garlic

This garlic has the mildest flavor of the hardnecks , but what it lacks in heat it makes up for in colour . Purple stripe garlics have beautiful , variegate cloves , often with an iridescent , papery skin .

majestic stripe plant profile :

Produces 6 - 12 Eugenia aromaticum

jolly well-off to discase

Very easy to grow

Moderate ledge life ( 5 - 7 month )

Purple stripe Allium sativum is considered the parent plant of all modern garlic potpourri , and chefs take it has a somewhat raw , gamey , uncultured flavor ; but in a good agency .

Hardneck Garlic Types

Although these are the three most pop and sought - after character of hardneck garlics , there are a few honorable mentions :

These garlics are somewhere between Porcelains and Purple Stripes . The Syzygium aromaticum have a rich purple wrap , and the meat is slightly brown . Although these garlic miscellany grow well throughout the United States , they perform best in colder climates with low winter temperatures .

This Unique Garlic Category Is Similar To Purple Stripes And Marbled Purple Stripes . The Wrappers On Glazed Purple Stripes Have A Frosted , Metallic Sheen With undertone Of Gold And Silver . This Type Of Garlic Is Gaining Popularity Among Chefs For Its Smooth , Even Heat And Rich , Complex Flavor .

These garlics are closest to Glazed Purple Stripes in coming into court , but they mature much faster and have a shorter shelf animation . Asiatic are classified as weakly bolting , which means they may or may not produce a scape . Asiatic garlics have a strong , hot garlicky feel .

Turbans Mature Sooner Than Any Other Hardneck Variety . These Garlics Have A light , Squat Flower Head And Short , Flat Bulbs , Which Is Where The Name Turban come From . The Cloves Are Wrapped In A Striped Purple Paper , And The sum Is A Light Pink / Brown Color . Turbans Have A Very Short Shelf Life .

Creole are an anomalousness in the hardneck Allium sativum . They acquire easily in the cryptic Confederate States of the United States , suffer in cold mood , and have an exceptional shelf life . Their flavor has a thick , complex , balmy undertone with a bite . The most well - have a go at it Creole ail is the sought after French Pink garlic , which is encase in a vivid pink composition wrapper .

Softneck Garlic

There are 2 popular character of softneck Allium sativum :

Artichoke Garlic

Artichoke ail tolerates a wide kitchen range of growing consideration , which makes it a democratic option for home plate gardeners . Artichoke cloves run to be big than silverskin Eugenia aromaticum , and some smorgasbord have a purple coloration .

Artichoke garlic works visibility :

Hardiness zones 4 - 10

Plant 4 - 6 week before first freeze

Produces 6 - 25 Eugenia aromaticum

Heat tolerant

Very safe shelf life ( 8 - 10 month )

Artichoke ail is considered the gentle , most fat character of ail you may grow .

Silverskin Garlic

Although silverskin ail is less flavourful than most hardnecks , they still have a wonderful garlicky flavor .

Silverskin garlic plant visibility :

Produces 8 - 40 garlic clove

super proficient shelf sprightliness ( 9 - 12 months )

There are at least 600 potpourri of ail , and popularity is alone dependent on the raise condition and spirit preferences of the growers . However , some varieties are well - known due to their superior flavor , informality of growing , singular colors , and hold out shelf life .

Hardneck garlicsare value for their ranking flavour profile and consistent size , but due to their poor shelf life , they are unmanageable to detect in grocery stores .

Luckily , there are 500 + hardneck garlic variety in the world , so you may mature a heavy appeal of epicure garlic in your backyard .

Rocambole is the most flavorful and sought - after Allium sativum in the culinary reality . Most rocambole varieties have a raw heating system , but a seraphic , smooth flavor when cooked or rib . They are easy to peel and the cloves are large and uniform , which make them a bang-up candidate for roasting .

This democratic Rocambole garlic has a marked larder flavor and a smooth , even passion . Like most Rocamboles , this kind has a little ledge life , although some agriculturist report Syzygium aromaticum hold up as prospicient as 8 month under ideal conditions .

Plant Profile :

Cloves : 6 - 11

bulblet : 5 - 25

Maturity : former - Mid Season

Shelf Life 4 - 5 month

This is another democratic Rocambole garlic due to how easy it is to grow and its zesty , rich flavor . raiser report that this variety grow magnanimous , gamy cloves that have an fantabulous raw feeling .

Cloves : 8 - 12

Maturity : Mid Season

Shelf Life : 5 - 6 Months

This variety has an upfront hot , spicy zip that mellows after prepare into a smooth , earthy flavour . This garlic prefers similar grow experimental condition to German Red , but it may mature a picayune in the first place .

Cloves : 9 - 12

Porcelain garlic can tolerate warmer growing conditions than Rocambole , which induce it a popular option for nurseryman in the southern United States . It has an excellent flavor , ordered with other hardneck garlics , and the cloves are big and well-to-do to peel .

This Porcelain garlic is extremely vigorous , hardy , and kind of a broad ambit of rise conditions . The light bulb and Syzygium aromaticum of this garlic are handsome than almost any other garlic variety , and they have a rich , pungent garlicky savour .

Cloves : 4 - 5

bulblet : 100 +

Shelf Life : 8 - 9 Months

This garlic produces very enceinte bulb that can weigh up to 1/3rd of a pound . The spirit is mellow and pure , which makes it an excellent general - purpose garlic .

Cloves : 4 - 6

Shelf Life : 7 - 8 month

This rare garlic potpourri isspicy . Rosewood garlic is a vigorous plant , but it will require some coddling in Holy Order to produce a germ head .

due date : Late Season

Shelf Life : 7 - 9 calendar month

Purple Stripe garlic are considered the blood line plants for modern garlic . They tend to have a raw , earthy , uncultured flavor , but they also have beautiful , colorful skins .

This assortment has a dulcet , oniony flavor that is perfect for scorched dishes . The papery skin layers are a deep , fat purple people of colour , make this variety an extremely attractive specimen .

clove : 8 - 20

Bulbils : ~100

This diverseness has a soft , mild flavor that works well in raw dishes or jest at . The long points on the clove tree resemble a star , which is what make this variety its name .

This variety has a liquid passion that adds a traditional garlic flavor to any smasher . Tibetan is another good assortment to use as an all - purpose ail flavourer .

Softneck garlicsare more popular in market stores because they store well and they handle mechanical planting and harvest home .

Softnecks do n’t have scape , and the farewell are more flexile than their hardneck ascendant , so these diversity work well for gardeners who want to pleach the bulbs after they ’ve cure .

In general , softneck garlic grow best in warm climates , and they do n’t tolerate extremely cold winters .

Artichoke garlic is the less - common type of Allium sativum in the softneck category . Although it has an sinful flavor and coloration , it does n’t handle mechanical planting and harvesting as well as Silverskin garlic , so it is not as usual in grocery stores .

This change ishot . Italian garlic tolerates a wide range of stain conditions , and it is fairly cold - tolerant for a softneck potpourri . Be careful in clay soils to keep off overwatering .

Cloves : 10 - 14

Bulbils : N / A

Shelf Life : 8 - 10 Months

This Italian aborigine is excellent for pasta and pizza sauce . It has a red-hot , tangy savour when raw , but it cooks down to a smooth , mild rut . This miscellany will occasionally acquire cervix bulbils or a scape .

Cloves : 8 - 10

Bulbils : seldom

Silverskin garlic is the most rough-cut commercially - available type of garlic . The skin cover are very tight , which serve protect the bulbs from bruise and extends the shelf life up to one year .

Silverskin Allium sativum allow a wide multifariousness of grow conditions , but that does n’t entail it perform as in all dirt profiles or climates . expend compost each fall before engraft and keep plants water but not wet to enjoy large bulbs with superior smell .

This is the most vulgar commercial   garlic variety . California Early is in grocery stores across the United States due to its wide orbit of soil and mood tolerances . California too soon is an early - maturing variety , so it can also be planted in the give in some climates for a autumn harvest .

Cloves : 6 - 12

Shelf Life : 10 - 12 Months

This is the second - most plebeian commercial garlic variety . Like California Early , the California Late mixed bag permit a spacious range of farm conditions . The only notable difference between California Early and California Late is that California tardily is a late - mature variety .

Maturity : Mid - previous Season

Although there ’s a noticeable strong-arm difference of opinion between hardneck and softneck garlic , the main difference of opinion come down to flavor and esthetic . Most garlic variety will grow well in most parts of the country , so the type of ail you select to mature will count on the intended culinary uses .

Whatever Allium sativum you decide to plant , test to find a reputable , local grower to make trusted the light bulb are disease - free and adapt to your mood .

pen By

Amber Noyes was hold and raise in a suburban California town , San Mateo . She holds a skipper ’s degree in horticulture from the University of California as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience puzzle out on an organic farm , water conservation research , farmers ’ markets , and plant greenhouse , she understands what make plants thrive and how we can better understand the connection between microclimate and plant wellness . When she ’s not on the state , Amber loves informing people of fresh ideas / things related to horticulture , especially constituent gardening , houseplants , and growing plant life in a modest space .