Did you know that garlic has been around for over 5,000 years? It’s one of the oldest cultivated crops in history!
While garlic’s exact origins are a mystery, it has become a globally loved culinary staple.
It comes in two main types: hardneck and softneck garlic.
Understanding these two types is key to growing healthy garlic, whether you’re a first-time grower or a more experienced one.
Let’s explore what makes each garlic type special!
Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic | All About Hardneck Garlic | All About Softneck Garlic | Elephant Garlic | Which Is Better?
Why Garlic Types Matter
You need to know the differences between hardneck and softneck varieties to grow garlic successfully!
The type of garlic you’re growing dictates where to plant and how to care for it.
For instance, hardneck garlic suits colder climates. Planting it in arid places can mean a poor harvest — if it doesn’t wilt first.
Then there’s the flavour. What does your kitchen crave — hardneck’s bold punch or softneck’s gentle taste?
Choosing the right type ensures both your garden and meals shine!
Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic: A Quick Comparison
So, what’s the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic?
The main difference is in the neck, the part of the plant that shoots up from the garlic bulb.
Hardneck garlic has a stiff, woody neck that produces a central flowering stalk called a scape.
Meanwhile, softneck garlic sports a bendy, braidable stem and doesn’t grow a scape.
Their bulbs and flavours differ, too.
Hardneck varieties pack a bold punch in smaller bulbs, while softneck varieties offer a milder taste in larger bulbs.
Here’s a quick comparison between hardneck and softneck garlic:
| Type of Garlic | Hardneck Garlic | Softneck Garlic |
| Unique Traits | Stiff central stalk; produces a flowering scape | Bendy, braidable stem; does not produce a scape |
| Ideal Climate | Thrives in cold climates; frost-tolerant | Grows best in warm climates; less resistant to frost |
| Planting Considerations | Needs prolonged cold exposure or vernalisation | Still benefits from cold exposure but doesn’t need as much time |
| Bulbs | Smaller bulbs with larger but fewer cloves; easier to peel | Larger bulbs with more, but smaller, cloves; harder to peel |
| Flavour | Bold and robust | Buttery and mild |
| Harvesting | Scapes are removed for better bulb growth | Does not grow scapes |
| Shelf Life | Shorter shelf life lasting 5-8 months | Longer shelf life lasting 8-12 months |
If you still need help choosing between the two, contact a local gardening professional for expert garlic advice!
All About Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon) is believed to have descended from wild garlic in Central Asia.
In Australia, 8 hardneck garlic varieties are grown.
All of them can produce scapes during a process called bolting. However, their bolting strength varies.
Strong bolters produce sturdy scapes, while weak bolters grow floppy scapes late in the season or not at all.
This table shows the different hardneck varieties and how they bolt:
| Strongly Bolting Hardnecks | Weakly Bolting Hardnecks |
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Ideal climate
Thanks to their wild garlic heritage, hardnecks are cold-hardy and can withstand frost.
They thrive in regions with cold winters and mild summers.
However, they can become stressed in overly hot climates and produce smaller bulbs.
Planting considerations
Hardneck garlic benefits from prolonged cold exposure or vernalisation before planting.
Its cloves need around 4-8 weeks of cold exposure below 4°C, which triggers bulb growth.
So, when should you plant hardneck garlic to make sure it grows healthy?
In cold Australian regions, plant hardneck garlic in autumn, about 2 weeks before the first frost. Let nature handle the vernalisation!
In warmer regions, you can still try growing hardneck garlic.
Just put the cloves in the fridge for 4-8 weeks before planting to mimic cold weather.
Bulbs and cloves
Hardneck garlic bulbs are generally smaller than softneck bulbs.
Inside, you’ll find larger but fewer garlic cloves. Each bulb usually has 4-12 cloves neatly arranged in a single layer.
Hardneck bulbs are easier to peel compared to softneck bulbs and often have a stunning purple blush.
However, hardnecks are full of surprises! Some varieties change their colour depending on the climate.
For example, Turban garlic forms sharp purple stripes in cold weather.
But in warmer climates, its bulbs are whitish with faint purple blotches.
Flavour
Flavour is one of the most important considerations when growing your own garlic.
Compared with softnecks, hardnecks have a stronger and more pungent flavour that adds depth to any dish.
Creole garlic is perfect for bold Mexican and Creole recipes.
Meanwhile, Turban garlic is prized in French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
If you prefer a lasting, full-bodied garlic flavour, look no further than Rocambole or Porcelain.
And don’t forget about the scapes! They’re not commonly sold in grocery stores, which makes them a special treat for hardneck gardeners.
Slice the scapes thinly and sprinkle in pestos and soups to add a mild buttery taste.
Harvesting
Hardneck garlic’s scapes make it unique, but they also demand special care.
Strong bolters grow scapes right on cue, around a month before they’re ready to harvest.
However, weak bolters could be unpredictable. Their scapes may appear late or not at all.
To grow bigger bulbs, snip the scapes just above the top leaf as they start to curl.
But don’t leave them on long enough to flower. They steal the plant’s energy and stunt bulb growth.
If your hardneck plants didn’t grow a scape, it could probably be due to warmer or inconsistent weather.
Just keep an eye on their health, and observe the leaves.
Garlic plants are usually ready for harvest when about half of their leaves have yellowed.
Storage
Hardneck garlic bulbs are packed with flavourful juices, making them prone to drying out.
Compared to softneck garlic, hardneck garlic generally has a shorter shelf life of 5-8 months.
Creole garlic defies expectations, though. It’s the only hardneck variety that can last up to a year!
All About Softneck Garlic
Softneck garlic (Allium sativum var. sativum) is the type we’re more familiar with, as we commonly see it in grocery stores!
Its excellent shelf life and mild flavour make it a kitchen staple best for everyday cooking.
Unlike hardnecks, softnecks grow floppy stems that don’t send up scapes.
In Australia, there are 3 softneck garlic varieties: Artichoke, Silverskin, and Subtropical.
Let’s get to know this bunch more closely!
Ideal climate
While hardneck garlic prefers cold regions, softneck garlic grows best in warm climates with mild winters.
However, Artichoke and Silverskin are adaptable and can thrive in colder states like New South Wales and Victoria.
They can also tolerate a bit of frost!
Meanwhile, Subtropical garlic is specifically bred for the hotter parts of Australia like Queensland and Western Australia.
Planting considerations
Unlike hardneck garlic, softneck garlic needs minimal cold exposure or none at all.
To encourage bulb growth, chill your softneck cloves in the fridge for 1-2 weeks before planting.
Once prepped, plant them in autumn.
Subtropical garlic can be planted as early as mid-March. Meanwhile, Artichoke and Silverskin may be planted until early June.
Bulbs and cloves
While bulb size varies with growing conditions, softneck garlic usually produces bigger bulbs than hardneck garlic.
However, it has more — but smaller — individual cloves that are hard to peel.
Each bulb is tightly packed with 10-30 cloves of varying sizes.
As for clove arrangement, softnecks are quite unpredictable!
Their cloves are usually arranged in 2-3 layers, with larger ones on the outside and smaller ones towards the centre.
Their bulbs and skins are typically cream or white, but some varieties may show a pinkish blush.
Flavour
Softneck garlic has a mild flavour that gets even better when stored for a few weeks before use.
It’s often sweeter compared to hardneck garlic, with a taste that won’t overpower dishes.
Silverskin garlic is adaptable across many cuisines and adds a flavour punch to marinades and soups. It’s spicier than Artichoke garlic.
On the other hand, Artichoke’s gentle flavour is perfect for garlic bread, pesto, and salad dressings.
Meanwhile, Subtropical garlic varieties bring a mild and sweet spice to sauces and stews.
Harvesting
Unlike hardnecks, softnecks are non-bolting, so you don’t need to worry about scapes.
While this makes softnecks easier to grow, it’s important to protect them from cold weather.
Very rarely, stress from the cold can cause softnecks to grow floppy scapes.
If this happens, remove the scapes to direct the plants’ energy into growing larger bulbs.
Hardnecks’ scapes also signal that harvest time is near. Since softnecks skip the scapes, watch the leaves instead.
They’re usually ready to harvest when about half the leaves have turned yellow and died back.
Storage
If you’re after a year-long supply of garlic, softneck is your best bet.
Softneck’s tight bulb skins give it a longer shelf life than hardneck.
Artichoke and Subtropical garlic stay fresh for 8-9 months.
But Silverskin garlic takes the prize for longevity, lasting up to a year or even longer.
To make the most of your harvest, braid your softnecks together and hang them in an airy, cool, and dry spot.
This keeps them fresh for longer and adds a charming rustic vibe to your kitchen!
What About Elephant Garlic?
Elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum) looks like regular garlic, but it’s actually a leek.
What sets it apart? Its size!
Its bulbs can reach a whopping 1-2 pounds or even more — much larger than your average garlic bulb.
Elephant garlic can be roasted or grilled. It has a mild, oniony flavour that’s less intense than hardneck and softneck garlic.
It also grows tasty scapes that are often thicker than hardneck garlic’s.
Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic: Which Is Better?
Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Ultimately, it all boils down to your local climate, flavour preference, and storage needs.
When planting garlic in Australia’s colder regions, go with hardneck.
It’s ideal for those who want a more robust flavour. It also offers a special treat — the scapes!
But the trade-off is hardneck’s shorter shelf life. As a workaround, try Creole garlic, which can last up to a year.
On the other hand, softnecks excel in warmer climates, tolerate mild winters, and store longer.
They can last up to a year and go well with almost any recipe!
The verdict: For longer storage and culinary versatility, choose softneck garlic. For colder climates and stronger flavour, choose hardneck garlic.
After choosing your type, it’s time to pick the perfect variety to plant. For the best yields, explore the different Australian garlic varieties that grow best in your area!
FAQs about Hardneck and Softneck Garlic
Keen to learn more about hardneck and softneck garlic? Discover useful info below!
Can I grow both softneck and hardneck garlic in the same garden?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that they have different growing needs.
Hardneck garlic prefers cold winters, while softneck garlic thrives in warmer climates.
If you’re in a cold region, experiment with resilient softneck varieties like Artichoke or Silverskin.
In warmer areas, try pairing hardneck varieties like Creole or Turban with softneck varieties.
Don’t forget to vernalise the hardneck cloves first by keeping them in the fridge for 4-8 weeks before planting.
Read our article on growing garlic successfully for more tips!
Which is easier to grow, hardneck or softneck garlic?
Generally, softneck is less fussy.
It grows best in warm weather, and some cultivars — like Artichoke and Silverskin — can tolerate mild winters.
Softnecks also need minimal cold exposure and don’t grow scapes, so there’s no need to worry about them before harvest.
Can you plant elephant garlic next to garlic?
Yes, you can grow elephant garlic with garlic!
They make good companions and thrive in the same conditions: full sun and loose, well-draining soil.
But keep in mind that elephant garlic bulbs are huge.
When planting, space their cloves 30cm in all directions to give their bulbs enough room to grow.
Jump to this article to discover other companion plants for garlic.
What kind of garlic do chefs prefer?
Chefs often choose garlic varieties based on their flavour.
Hardneck is the go-to for cuisines with bold and complex flavours, such as French, Italian, and Mediterranean.
Softneck is ideal for cuisines that need subtle flavouring, like Asian dishes.
It’s also a practical choice for busy restaurant kitchens because it stores longer than hardneck.
Are garlic bulbils edible?
Yes, garlic bulbils are edible!
These tiny, seed-like structures form in the flowering heads of hardneck garlic scapes.
Bulbils have a mild flavour and work well in roasted dishes, salads, and stir-fries. They can also be eaten raw.
However, they’ll only grow if the scapes are allowed to mature on the garlic plant.
While this is great if you want to harvest bulbils, leaving the scapes intact can reduce the garlic bulbs’ size.
