The term “seed” is a common misnomer for home gardeners searching for where to buy garlic planting stock. Garlic, Allium sativum, does not reproduce reliably through true botanical seeds in cultivation. Instead, it is propagated vegetatively, meaning you plant individual cloves or tiny aerial bulbils to produce a full new bulb. Sourcing this planting stock, often correctly referred to as “seed garlic,” requires attention to both the type of garlic desired and the quality of the source material.
Understanding Planting Stock
Before purchasing, you must determine which of the two primary garlic categories, hardneck or softneck, best suits your climate and culinary needs. Hardneck varieties, scientifically classified as Allium sativum ssp. ophioscorodon, are characterized by a stiff central stalk, or scape, which must be removed during the growing season. These varieties generally thrive in colder climates because they require a period of vernalization, or cold exposure, to properly form large cloves. Hardneck garlic is prized for its complex, bold flavor and tends to have fewer, larger cloves that are easy to peel.
Softneck varieties (Allium sativum ssp. sativum) lack this rigid central stalk, which is why they are the type most commonly braided after harvest. They are better adapted to milder climates with shorter, less intense winters and do not require the same cold period as their hardneck counterparts. Softneck bulbs contain many smaller cloves arranged in multiple layers and typically offer a longer storage life, often lasting up to 10 to 12 months when cured properly.
Online Retailers and Specialty Growers
The most reliable source for high-quality, diverse planting material is a dedicated online retailer or specialty garlic farm. These operations typically focus on heirloom and gourmet cultivars, offering a selection far beyond what is available in a standard garden center. The primary benefit of purchasing from these specialty sources is the assurance of certified, disease-free stock, which minimizes the risk of introducing soil-borne pathogens and pests into your garden.
Purchasing online also provides access to regional experts who can recommend specific cultivars that perform well in your general climate zone. Because popular varieties sell out quickly, ordering from specialty online sources is often necessary months in advance, with most pre-orders beginning in the spring or early summer. This allows the grower to ship the seed garlic at the optimal time for fall planting in your region, typically beginning in mid-September and extending into November. While the cost per pound may be higher than other sources, the investment ensures genetic purity and robust bulb production.
Local Sources and Seasonal Timing
For gardeners seeking immediate access and local knowledge, alternative sources such as farmers’ markets and local garden centers can be useful. Farmers’ markets are excellent places to find locally grown, adapted varieties and to speak directly with the grower about their specific cultivation practices. However, it is important to confirm that the bulbs being sold are intended for planting, as culinary garlic may not have been selected for the same genetic vigor as dedicated seed stock. Local garden centers also carry planting stock, though the selection is often limited to a few common varieties.
A crucial consideration for all planting stock is the seasonal timing of your purchase. Garlic is a fall-planted crop, meaning the cloves must be in the ground approximately four to six weeks before the first hard frost. Therefore, the purchasing window is typically late summer and early fall, from late August through October, to allow for timely planting. Avoid planting garlic purchased from a conventional grocery store, as these bulbs may have been treated with sprout inhibitors or subjected to long-term storage conditions that compromise viability.