10 Types Of Garlic To Grow In Your Garden

There are eleven horticultural groups of garlic, and three of these varieties are classified as softneck garlic (Allium sativum). Eight of them are considered hardneck garlic (Allium ophioscorodon). The plant commonly known as “elephant garlic” is not actually garlic at all (though it looks and tastes similar), but is a member of the leek family.

Softneck Garlic

Softneck garlic has three forms: artichoke, silverskin and Middle Eastern. The artichoke varieties have many (more than a dozen usually) cloves that overlap one another, similar to the leaves of the artichoke plant. The outer skin layer of softneck garlic is fairly thick, allowing for a long shelf life of six months or longer. The silverskin varieties are used to make garlic braids due to their strong but pliable necks and attractive “silvery” sheen of their outer skins. Softneck garlic matures faster than hardneck, can be planted in spring for late season harvest, and do not produce central stems/scapes that need trimming mid-season. These are the garlics most often sold in supermarkets.

Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic has a central flowering stem (or scape) that eventually turns woody. These hard stems can be tied together for hanging and curing your garlic after harvest. The eight forms are as follows: purple stripe, glazed purple stripe, marbled purple stripe, porcelain, Rocambole, Asiatic, and Creole (although recently it’s been determined that Creole garlic may be in a class by itself). Some garlic lovers believe that the hardneck varieties have more complex flavors and so these garlics are sought after at farmers markets. They mature more slowly and are usually planted in the fall. We’ve gathered a list of 10 excellent garlic varieties for you to grow in your garden.

Native Area: Republic of GeorgiaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Europe/AsiaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10Height: 24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: EuropeUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: North AmericaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: EuropeUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: EuropeUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: EuropeUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7Height: 24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: AsiaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 10Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: Europe/AsiaUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area (Continent): EuropeUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8Height: 18 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun