For garlic lovers, growing hearty hardneck garlic bulbs is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh homegrown garlic. Hardneck garlic (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon) produces large, easy-to-peel cloves and edible scapes, making it a favorite for home gardeners. Read on to learn everything you need to successfully plant hardneck garlic bulbs this fall.
What is Hardneck Garlic?
Hardneck garlic is one of two main types or subspecies of garlic grown, the other being softneck garlic Hardneck garlic gets its name from the flowering stem or “scape” that emerges from the center of the bulb and hardens as it grows tall and curly
It thrives in cooler climates and produces large, robust cloves encased in a firm outer wrapper. The cloves are surrounded by a stiff central stalk or basal plate stem. Popular hardneck varieties include Purple Stripe, Porcelain, Rocambole, Asiatic, Marbled Purple Stripe, Glazed Purple Stripe, and Turbans.
Benefits of Growing Hardneck Garlic
There are several advantages that make hardy hardneck garlic bulbs a top choice for home growers:
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Bigger cloves – Hardneck cloves are significantly larger than softneck.
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Easy to peel – The firm wrappers make cloves much easier to peel.
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Cold hardy – Withstands cold winters better than softnecks,
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Edible scapes – Produces harvestable flower stalks called scapes.
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Robust flavor – Hardnecks have a more intense, pungent garlic taste.
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Stores shorter – Best used within 3-8 months after harvest.
When to Plant Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic is planted in the fall for harvest the following summer. The best time to plant garlic varies by growing zone:
- Zones 3-5: Late September to late October
- Zones 6-9: Mid October to mid November
- Zones 9-10: Late November to mid December
Aim to plant 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes for roots to establish before winter dormancy. Avoid planting too early when soil is still warm.
How to Prepare for Planting
With some planning and preparation, you’ll be ready for planting hardneck garlic this fall:
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Choose a site – Pick a spot in full sun with well-drained soil.
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Test soil – Check pH and amend if needed to pH 6.0-7.0.
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Prep beds – Loosen soil, remove weeds/debris, mix in compost.
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Get bulbs – Order quality, disease-free bulbs suited to your zone.
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Plan spacing – Allow 6-8 inches between bulbs and 18-24 inches between rows.
How to Plant the Bulbs
Once your soil is prepared and you have your bulbs, it’s time to get them in the ground. Follow these tips for planting:
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Break bulbs – Carefully break bulbs into individual cloves just before planting.
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Plant root-side down – Place cloves root-side down about 2 inches deep.
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Cover loosely – Loosely cover back over with soil without packing it down.
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Water well – Water thoroughly after planting and as needed until ground freeze.
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Consider mulch – Apply 3-4 inches of mulch over beds after planting.
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Be patient! – Growth will be slow until spring.
Growing and Maintaining Hardneck Garlic
Once your hardneck garlic is planted, just a bit of care will help it thrive:
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Weed regularly – Prevent weeds from crowding out bulbs while they establish.
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Monitor water – Water during dry periods in early spring after soils thaw.
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Trim scapes – Remove curled scapes in early summer to encourage bulb growth.
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Stop watering – Cease watering mid-summer to allow adequate drying/curing time.
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Control pests – Watch for onion thrips, maggots, mites and disease.
Harvesting and Curing Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic is ready for harvest in mid-late summer when lower leaves begin browning. Avoid harvesting too early. Follow these tips:
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Lift carefully – Loosen soil and lift bulbs gently with a garden fork.
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Dry briefly – Allow bulb roots and wrappers to dry partially for a few days.
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Clean – Brush off any excess dirt but don’t wash bulbs.
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Cure – Cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area.
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Trim – Clip tops to 1-2 inches above the bulb after curing.
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Store – Move cured bulbs to a cool, dry storage area.
Storing Hardneck Garlic
Proper storage preserves your garlic harvest. Hardnecks have a shorter shelf life than softnecks:
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Cool & dry – Ideal conditions are temperatures of 32-65°F and humidity of 60-70%.
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Ventilation – Good air circulation prevents mold and sprouting.
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No light – Light causes garlic to sprout. Store bulbs in the dark.
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No refrigeration – Cold refrigerator temperatures can damage flavor.
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Cure well – Adequate curing helps bulbs store up to 8 months.
Enjoying Your Hardneck Garlic Harvest
Once cured and stored, you can enjoy reaping the “fruits” of your labor by:
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Adding flavor to meals by chopping, mincing, roasting or pureeing cloves
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Infusing olive oil with garlic for dipping and drizzling
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Crafting homemade garlic powder, salt, vinegar or compound butter
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Blending into hummus, tapenades, salsas, marinades, pestos and more
With proper care, your homegrown hardneck garlic bulbs will deliver huge flavor and satisfaction!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardneck Garlic
What’s the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic?
Hardneck garlic produces a woody flower stalk and larger cloves. Softneck garlic has a flexible stalk and smaller, more numerous cloves in multiple layers.
How big do hardneck garlic bulbs get?
Depending on the variety, cured hardneck bulbs typically measure 2-4 inches in diameter. Cloves are around 1 inch compared to 1/2 inch for softnecks.
Can you grow hardneck garlic in southern climates?
While hardneck garlic prefers cooler climates, some varieties tolerate warmer regions. Choose heat-adapted cultivars and plant in the coolest season for your location.
Do you have to dig up hardneck garlic each year?
Yes, hardneck garlic is grown as an annual and the bulbs must be harvested and replanted each growing season. Leaving bulbs in the ground causes them to split and deteriorate.
How close together do you plant hardneck garlic cloves?
Space hardneck garlic cloves 6-8 inches apart in all directions. Rows should be spaced 18-24 inches apart to allow for bulb growth and weed control.
