Choosing the correct garlic variety is the most significant decision a gardener makes before the growing season begins. The hundreds of available cultivars are not interchangeable, and their differences directly impact the success of the harvest and the final characteristics of the bulb. Factors like regional climate, desired flavor intensity, and storage duration all depend on the initial selection. Understanding the foundational biological distinctions between the major types ensures the planted clove will thrive and yield the desired culinary result.
The Fundamental Choice: Hardneck Versus Softneck
Garlic is broadly classified into two main types based on its growth habit: hardneck and softneck. The defining difference lies in the central stalk, which in hardnecks becomes a rigid, woody stem at maturity. This firm stalk, which gives the type its name, also produces a flower stalk known as a scape, which coils before forming tiny bulbils at its tip.
In contrast, softneck garlic lacks this central woody stem, instead developing a flexible neck composed solely of leaves. This pliability allows the harvested stalks to be easily braided for storage, a common practice for this type.
The internal structure of the bulbs also differs. Hardnecks typically feature a single ring of fewer, larger cloves surrounding the central stem, which are often easier to peel.
Softneck bulbs tend to produce multiple, concentric layers of cloves that are more numerous but generally smaller and more tightly wrapped.
The environmental requirements for the two types also vary significantly, rooted in a biological need known as vernalization. Hardneck garlic requires a prolonged period of cold exposure (typically six to eight weeks below 40°F) to trigger proper bulb formation.
This necessity makes hardnecks naturally suited for regions with harsh, cold winters. Softneck varieties do not have the same strict requirement for vernalization, allowing them to adapt more readily to areas with mild winters and warmer climates.
Selecting Specific Varietal Groups
Within the hardneck category, there are several distinct groups.
Porcelain Group
The Porcelain group produces very large bulbs, often containing just four to seven massive cloves encased in satiny white wrappers. They possess a strong, robust flavor that retains its pungency even after cooking. This group offers better storage capability than most other hardnecks.
Rocambole Group
Rocambole garlic is prized for its complex, rich flavor, often featuring deep, sweet undertones. Its cloves are loosely wrapped, making them easy to peel. However, this trait contributes to a generally shorter shelf life.
Purple Stripe Group
The Purple Stripe group is identifiable by the distinctive purple streaks or blotches on its wrappers. It provides a rich, medium-to-strong flavor profile and is recognized for its excellent suitability in baking and roasting applications.
The softneck category includes two primary groups.
Artichoke Group
The Artichoke group is known for its large, vigorous bulbs and its ease of cultivation across a wide range of conditions. Artichoke cloves are typically milder in flavor and are arranged in several overlapping layers, resembling an artichoke. This structure can result in a high clove count per bulb.
Silverskin Group
The Silverskin group is often the variety found in commercial grocery stores. It is distinguished by its smooth, silver-white wrappers and its exceptional storage life. Silverskin varieties yield many small to medium cloves and can have a spicy, pungent flavor when raw. Their soft neck and tight clove wrappers make them the top choice for long-term storage and braiding after harvest.
Choosing Based on Climate and Storage Needs
The final selection should be based on the grower’s local climate and their intended use for the harvested bulbs. If the growing region experiences severe winter temperatures, the vernalization requirement of hardneck varieties makes them the most reliable choice. Conversely, softneck varieties are the preferred option in areas with mild winters or warmer climates because they do not require an extended cold period for proper bulbing.
The intended use of the garlic dictates the final choice:
- If long-term storage is the priority, select a softneck variety like Silverskin, which can store for up to a year under optimal conditions.
- Hardneck types, particularly Rocambole, offer a burst of complex flavor but must be consumed within a few months, typically four to six.
- Gardeners who wish to harvest the tender, edible flower stalks must plant a hardneck variety, as only this type produces the distinctive scapes.
- If the goal is large quantities of uniformly mild-flavored cloves, the Artichoke group is a practical and high-yielding option.