Softneck Garlic Bulbs: The Best Choice for Home Gardeners

For any home gardener looking to grow garlic, softneck varieties are often the best place to start. Softneck garlic bulbs tend to be easier to grow, store better, and are more adaptable than hardneck types. With their flexible stalks and high number of cloves per bulb, softnecks make great options for beginning and experienced garlic growers alike In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planting, growing, harvesting, and storing softneck garlic bulbs

What is Softneck Garlic?

Garlic comes in two main types softneck and hardneck. The key difference lies in the stiffness of the stalk. Softneck garlic has flexible stalks that can be braided together for storage. Hardneck garlic has a stiff central stalk that shoots up a flowering stem called a scape Beyond the stalks, there are a few other differences

• Cloves per bulb: Softnecks typically have at least 10-20 cloves per bulb, while hardnecks usually have 6-12.

• Flavor: Softnecks tend to have a milder, more subtle garlic flavor when roasted. Raw, they have a robust garlic punch.

• Storage life: With their protective neck wrappers, softnecks can be stored for 6-9 months or longer. Hardnecks last 3-5 months on average.

• Climate tolerance: Softnecks handle warmer climates better, while hardnecks prefer cooler areas. However, both can grow in a range of zones with proper care.

Best Softneck Varieties for Planting

When selecting which softneck garlic to plant, keep your climate and uses in mind. Here are some top recommended varieties:

• Artichoke types: These are the most widely adapted softnecks with excellent storage ability. Try ‘California White’, ‘Inchelium Red’, or ‘Silver White’.

• Silverskin types: Known for their rich, robust flavor raw. ‘Silver Rose’ and ‘Nootka Rose’ are flavorful heirlooms.

• Creole types: Bred for warm climates, these do well in Southern zones. Try ‘Creole Red’.

For gardens in cooler northern areas, the Artichoke types store the longest. Silverskins add diversity and robust flavor. Creoles excel in hotter climates. Choosing an heirloom variety, rather than commercial strains, provides the best taste and adaptation.

When and How to Plant Softneck Garlic

Softneck garlic is planted in the fall about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the roots to establish before winter dormancy. It matures in summer, roughly 9 months after fall planting.

Pick a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden. Garlic prefers rich soil amended with compost. Space the bulbs 4-6 inches apart with rows 8-10 inches apart. Set each bulb root-end down 2-3 inches deep, covering it with soil.

Before planting, you can optionally soak bulbs in a dilute fertilizer solution to stimulate root growth. Just mix some fish emulsion or all-purpose organic fertilizer into water. Soak bulbs for 12-24 hours. Rinse and dry before planting.

Once planted, use 3-6 inches of mulch like straw or leaves. This insulates the bulbs over winter and retains moisture. Replenish as it decomposes. Keep soil moist, avoiding waterlogged conditions.

Growing and Maintaining Your Softneck Crop

While garlic is relatively carefree, providing ideal growing conditions maximizes your harvest. Here are some tips for healthy softneck garlic crops:

• Weed regularly to prevent competition, especially when plants are young.

• Side dress with a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring. Garlic is a heavy feeder.

• Water when soil dries out, about 1-2 inches per week. Proper moisture prevents stunted growth.

• Use mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil. Reapply as needed.

• Watch for insect pests like thrips, aphids, and mites. Treat organically if populations explode.

With the right care, your garlic will size up nicely, ready for harvesting in early-mid summer. Softnecks produce leafy tops that remain green longer than hardnecks.

Harvesting and Curing Softneck Garlic

Softneck garlic is ready for harvest when about 50% of the leaves have turned yellow or brown. Carefully dig up each bulb or pull stems to loosen soil.

Avoid bruising the bulbs as you remove them from the ground. Damaged cloves won’t store well. Brush off excess dirt but don’t wash yet.

Gather leaves/stems into bunches and hang or lay them in a dry, shaded spot to cure for 1-2 weeks. Curing with proper airflow dries the outer wrappers andskin, sealing in flavor. Temps of 60-70°F are ideal.

Once cured, trim roots and stems to about 1 inch. Gently brush off any remaining dirt. At this point, bulbs can be gently washed if needed before storage.

Storing Softneck Garlic for Months of Use

The ideal conditions for storing softneck garlic are:

• Cool temps of 55-65°F

• Low humidity around 60-70% RH

• Good air circulation

• Dark conditions (light causes sprouting)

A cool, dark basement or garage often provides perfect softneck garlic storage. Or place bulbs in mesh bags or baskets in a cupboard. Avoid plastic bags which trap moisture. Inspect regularly, removing rotting bulbs to prevent spreading.

With proper curing and storage conditions, softneck garlic keeps 6-9 months or longer. Their protective neck wrappers prevent water loss and slow sprouting. Well-stored softnecks will re-sprout nicely for a second year if re-planted.

Enjoying the Softneck Garlic Harvest

Besides being easier to grow and store, softneck garlic offers incredible flavor versatility. Here are some ways to enjoy your homegrown harvest:

• Roast whole heads for a mellow, sweet garlic flavor. Squeeze the roasted cloves onto bread or pasta.

• Chop and use raw in dressings, salsas, hummus and more. Raw softneck garlic packs a zesty punch.

• Make flavored garlic oils or vinegar by steeping peeled cloves in your liquid of choice.

• Use softneck cloves as the basis for ferments like garlic honey or lacto-fermented pickles.

• Make garlic butter by mashing softnecks into softened butter. Spread on steaks or bread.

With multiple cloves per bulb and months of storage life, softneck garlic provides an ongoing supply for any kitchen. Beginners and veterans alike find softnecks easy to grow and full of flavor. Give this gardening staple a try in your garden this season!