Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic Bulbs

Hardneck garlic varieties tend to form fewer cloves per bulb than softneck varieties, but those cloves are often a bit larger. Hardneck garlic grows better in colder climates because it requires prolonged exposure to cold weather of at least 40 days at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This process is called vernalization.

Softneck garlic varieties excel in milder climates, growing better in environments with warmer winters because they do not require cold exposure to make bulbs (whereas hardneck garlics do). They also mature more quickly than hardneck varieties, don’t form scapes, and generally contain several small cloves per bulb.

Seed Savers Exchange garlic is available for pre-order in July and begins to ship by the end of September. Garlic only ships to the contiguous United States. We are unable to ship garlic to the following states and jurisdictions: AK, AFP, AFA, AFE, AS, HI, ID, OR, PR, and WA.

Learn more about how to grow garlic.