Choosing the Right Variety of Garlic for Your Climate
There are a few important considerations when choosing the best garlic variety for your climate and growing conditions. The two main types of garlic are hardneck and softneck varieties. Hardneck varieties are generally more cold-hardy and produce a flower stalk or “scape” that can be snipped off for cooking. Meanwhile, softneck varieties are more flexible and braid or plait together more easily for storing.
When selecting garlic varieties based on growing zones, homeowners in zones 5–9 will have higher success with hardneck types, which require vernalization or a period of cold temperatures to trigger bulbing. Those in zone 8b or warmer can grow softneck varieties that do not need the cold period and have better storability.
It’s also important to pay attention to harvest timing, as some garlic are considered short-season or long-season varieties. Short-season bulbs mature faster in 90-120 days, while long-season bulbs may need up to 180 days. Choosing varieties matched to your area’s average first and last frost dates will maximize your yield.
Hardneck vs. softneck garlic varieties
- Hardneck garlic varieties such as ‘Music’, ‘German White’, or ‘Glamour’ produce a hard stalk above each bulb, which can be braided or used for cooking. They are generally more cold-hardy.
- Softneck varieties like ‘Inchelium Red’ or ‘Creole’ have a soft, flexible stalk above each bulb. They are tolerant of warmer climates, plait together easily for storage, and can be planted closer together.
Selecting Varieties Based on Your USDA Growing Zone
- Zones 5-9 are well-suited for hardneck types that require vernalization or cold temperatures to trigger bulb formation.
- Zone 8b and warmer regions are warm enough for softneck cultivation, which does not need the cold treatment and keeps longer in storage.
Choosing a Variety Based on Season Length
- Short-season garlic matures in 90-120 days and includes ‘Music’ and ‘German White’.
- Long-season varieties take up to 180 days to harvest but produce larger bulbs. ‘Spanish Roja’ is one suited for colder regions.
Caring for Garlic During its Growing Season
There are a few key care practices to follow as your garlic develops through its different growing stages. Proper watering is important, as too little water can result in small bulbs while excess moisture promotes disease. Weeding should be done regularly to remove competition for nutrients and water. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperatures.
Some common garlic pests and diseases to watch for include onion thrips, bulb mites, fusarium basal rot, and smut fungus. Signs of infestation include stunted or deformed foliage, brown lesions on bulbs, or black sooty spores developing. Having healthy soil and adequate spacing reduces risk, while removing and destroying infected plants can prevent further spread. Crop rotation to a non-allium family every 2-3 years also limits disease carryover in the soil.
Watering Needs Through Garlic Growing Season
- Water deeply 1-2 inches per week until bulbs form, then taper off, but don’t let soil fully dry out.
- Consistent moisture is important as bulbs develop, but soil should never be soggy.
Weeding the Garlic Bed
- Weed on a regular basis, ideally weekly, to remove competition for water and nutrients.
- Mulching before weeds emerge saves time and conserves moisture.
Mulching Benefits for Garlic
- It helps retain soil moisture, which is critical during bulb development.
- Prevents weeds from growing and moderates soil temperature fluctuations.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Onion thrips, mites, and smut fungus are typical, but rotation and sanitation reduce their incidence greatly.
When to Harvest Garlic Based on Its Growth Stage
There are a few visual signs to look for that indicate your garlic is ready to be harvested once it completes its various growth stages. For hardneck varieties, about half of the green leaves will have turned brown in color while the stalks, or “scapes,” remain green. Softneck garlic is ready when about 70-80% of the foliage has changed from green to tan colored.
The outer skins of the bulbs should be completely dry and papery by harvest time. You can gently pull up a few test bulbs to check if the bottom plate or roots have fully dried too before harvesting the entire bed. Peak maturity is usually reached 8–10 weeks after the foliage has fully senesced and dried. Leaving bulbs in the ground too long risks rotting or mold issues.
Braiding hardneck varieties is an important post-harvest stage unique to these types. After curing, braid the long green stalks into attractive braids, similar to braiding hair, for hanging long-term storage. The braids prevent bending of stalks during curing. Softneck varieties are usually cut and kept intact without braiding.
Signs Your Garlic is Ready
- Half of the hardneck leaves brown while scapes stay green.
- 70-80% of softneck foliage turns tan in color.
- Skins are completely dry and papery.
- Test bulb roots have dried before full harvesting.
Braiding Hardneck Garlic Varieties
- After curing, braid the long stalks into plaits for hanging storage similar to braided hair.
Post-Harvest Care and Preservation of Garlic
Once your garlic has been harvested after completing its growing stages, proper curing and storage are necessary to maximize its shelf life and ensure quality for use throughout the year. Curing involves allowing the freshly harvested bulbs to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks. Air movement is important to prevent mold or rot during this period. Some growers braid hardneck varieties for curing as described earlier.
After curing, garlic should be stored in a dry, cool location away from humidity and temperatures above 55°F if possible. Non-refrigerated storage techniques include mesh or perforated paper bags, woven baskets, or braids hung in a sheltered area. Properly cured garlic kept in these conditions may last up to 8-10 months. For longer storage of 12 months or more, refrigeration between 32 and 40°F is best. However, refrigerated garlic may sprout if kept too long.
Preserving garlic through canning, freezing, or drying helps extend its use beyond typical storage times. Drying produces powdered garlic, while freezing chopped cloves maintains flavor but causes texture to soften over time. Canning sliced or whole cloves in oil yields a flavorful condiment that stores 12-18 months.
Ensuring Proper Curing
- Allow harvested garlic to dry 2-4 weeks in shade with air movement.
- Braid hardneck varieties during curing to prevent bending of stalks.
Maximizing Bulb Storage Life
- Store in a dry, cool location between 32-55°F for up to 10 months.
- Refrigeration between 32 and 40°F allows storage over 12 months.
Methods for Preserving Garlic
- Drying makes powdered garlic, freezing softens texture, and canning in oil yields an 18-month condiment.