Softneck garlic is the variety most commonly found in grocery stores, prized for its pliable neck which allows for braiding and its long storage life, often up to nine months. This type of garlic is generally preferred by gardeners in regions with milder winters, as it does not require the extensive cold period, known as vernalization, that hardneck varieties need to develop properly. This guide details how to identify the best softneck varieties and where to reliably source them for a successful planting season.
Identifying Softneck Varieties
Softneck garlic, botanically known as Allium sativum var. sativum, is easily distinguished from its hardneck counterpart by the absence of a rigid, central flower stalk called a scape. Instead of channeling energy into a stiff stem, the plant focuses on bulb development, resulting in a flexible neck and a greater number of cloves per bulb. The cloves in softneck garlic are arranged in multiple layers around a soft core, often producing between 10 and 20 cloves, though individual sizes tend to be smaller than hardneck varieties.
There are two main horticultural groups within the softneck category: Artichoke and Silverskin. Artichoke types, like ‘Inchelium Red’ or ‘California Early’, are generally the most productive and widely adapted, featuring several overlapping layers of cloves that give the bulb a somewhat lumpy appearance. Silverskin varieties, such as ‘Nootka Rose’, are the types most frequently used for braiding due to their smooth, uniform appearance and tight, protective wrappers, which also contribute to their superior storage capability.
Recommended Sources for Planting Stock
The most effective way to guarantee a healthy harvest is to purchase planting stock from dedicated seed garlic farms and reputable agricultural suppliers. These sources specialize in growing and curing garlic specifically for propagation, ensuring the bulbs are certified disease-free, which is especially important to avoid introducing pathogens like white rot or stem and bulb nematodes to garden soil. Many smaller, specialized farms offer heirloom and regionally adapted softneck varieties that are difficult to find through larger commercial outlets.
Searching online for “certified organic seed garlic” often leads to specialized growers who offer pre-orders months before the fall planting window. These dedicated farms provide detailed information on the variety’s specific climate suitability and storage life, allowing for a highly informed purchase. Reputable seed catalogs and gardening co-ops also offer quality stock, often having established relationships with certified growers.
Do not use bulbs purchased from a standard grocery store for planting, as they are typically treated with sprout inhibitors to extend shelf life and are not guaranteed to be disease-free. Store-bought garlic often has an unknown origin and may carry diseases that can contaminate garden soil for years. While local farmers’ markets can be a source, it is prudent to confirm with the vendor that the garlic was grown as seed stock and not simply culinary garlic, which may not have been handled with the same sanitary precautions.
Timing the Purchase and Planting Cycle
Successful softneck garlic cultivation relies on planting the cloves in the fall, typically between late September and November, allowing the plant sufficient time to establish a robust root system before winter dormancy. The demand for high-quality seed stock significantly outpaces the supply, making the purchasing window far earlier than the actual planting date.
Many specialized garlic farms begin accepting pre-orders for their fall stock as early as June or July, and the most popular varieties often sell out completely before the end of summer. Placing an order early secures the preferred variety and quantity, with shipments typically scheduled to arrive in late August or September, just ahead of the ideal planting window. Upon receiving the bulbs, plant them relatively quickly, but if a short delay is unavoidable, the stock should be kept in a cool, dry location with good air circulation, such as a garage or basement.
Evaluating the Quality of Garlic Bulbs
Once the softneck garlic bulbs arrive, a close inspection before separating the cloves is important to ensure the health of the planting stock. A high-quality bulb should feel firm and heavy, without any soft spots, mushiness, or signs of decay, which can indicate fungal or bacterial rot. The papery outer wrappers should be intact and dry, offering protection to the cloves within.
Signs of poor health include visible mold, a discolored or cracked basal plate (the bottom where roots emerge), or an unusually strong, off-odor that is not the clean scent of fresh garlic. For planting, select the largest individual cloves from the bulb, as larger cloves correlate directly with the production of larger bulbs at harvest. Cloves that have already begun to sprout should be planted immediately, as they are actively trying to grow.