The Complete Guide to Planting Hardneck Garlic Bulbs

Hardneck garlic varieties produce large robust cloves and tall flower stalks called scapes making them a favorite choice for home gardeners. If you love garlic, planting hearty hardneck garlic bulbs is a fun and rewarding way to grow your own fresh garlic harvest. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about choosing, planting, growing, harvesting, and storing hardneck garlic bulbs.

What is Hardneck Garlic?

Hardneck garlic, also known as topset garlic, is one of two main subspecies of garlic grown, the other being softneck garlic. It is part of the Allium sativum species but is classified as Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon.

Hardneck garlic gets its name from the firm, woody flowering stem or “scape” that emerges and curls from the center of the bulb as it matures in spring. This scape eventually hardens and can be cut and eaten.

Compared to softneck varieties, hardneck garlic produces large, easy-to-peel cloves encased in a robust outer wrapper. The cloves surround a stiff central stalk or basal plate stem inside the bulb.

Popular Hardneck Garlic Varieties

There are several distinct hardneck garlic types and cultivars to choose from:

• Rocambole – Silver-white wrappers. Complex, rich garlic flavor. Easy to peel.
• Purple Stripe – Purple striped wrappers. Very large cloves. Sweet, mild flavor when baked.
• Porcelain – Glossy white wrappers. Large cloves. Very strong, spicy flavor.
• Marbled Purple Stripe – White wrappers streaked with purple. Very wide growing range.
• Glazed Purple Stripe – Purple blotching on white. Strong flavor, not very spicy.
• Turbans – Bulbs with 4-6 large tan cloves. Robust garlic taste.
• Asiatic – Large striped purple & white bulbs. Very spicy when raw.
• Creole – White wrappers, purple-red cloves. Hard to find. Mild flavor.

Popular varieties include Music, German Red Chesnok Red Persian Star, Metechi, Purple Glazer, Balkan, Spanish Roja, Korean Red, Killarney Red, Siberian, Ukrainian, Asian Tempest, and Kettle River Giant.

Benefits of Growing Hardneck Garlic

There are several key advantages that make hardneck garlic a top choice for home gardeners:

• Large cloves – Hardneck cloves are significantly bigger than softneck.
• Easy peeling – The firm outer wrappers make the cloves much easier to peel.
• Cold hardy – Hardnecks tolerate cold winters better than softnecks.
• Edible scapes – They produce delicious harvestable flower stalks.
• Flavor – Hardnecks have a more pungent, complex garlic taste.

When to Plant Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic is planted in the fall for harvest the following summer. The ideal planting time depends on your 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

The goal is to plant 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes so roots have time to establish before winter dormancy. Avoid planting too early while soil is still warm.

How to Prepare for Planting

Proper planning and preparation in the fall will set you up for garlic planting success

• Choose site – Pick a spot that gets full sun with well-drained soil.

• Test soil – Check pH and amend if needed to 6.0-7.0.

• Prep beds – Loosen soil, remove weeds and debris, mix in aged compost.

• Get bulbs – Order top quality, disease-free bulbs suited for your zone.

• Plan spacing – Allow 6-8 inches between bulbs and 18-24 inches between rows.

How to Plant Hardneck Garlic Bulbs

Once your soil is prepped and you have your bulbs, follow these tips for planting:

• Gently break bulbs into individual cloves just before planting.

• Place cloves root-side down 2 inches deep into soil.

• Loosely cover back over with soil without packing it down.

• Water thoroughly after planting and as needed until ground freeze.

• Consider applying 3-4 inches of mulch over beds after planting to insulate.

• Growth will be slow until spring. Be patient!

Growing and Maintaining Hardneck Garlic

With proper care, your hardneck garlic will thrive:

• Weed regularly to prevent crowding while plants are establishing.

• Monitor water – Water during dry periods in early spring after soils thaw.

• In early summer, remove scapes to encourage better bulb growth.

• Stop watering mid-summer to allow adequate drying/curing time.

• Control pests like thrips, mites, and maggots. Watch for diseases.

Harvesting and Curing Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic is ready for harvest in mid-late summer when lower leaves start browning:

• Carefully lift bulbs with a garden fork, loosening soil gently.

• Allow bulbs to dry partially outdoors for a few days.

• Brush off excess dirt – don’t wash bulbs.

• Cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area.

• After curing, trim tops to 1-2 inches above the bulb.

• Store cured bulbs in a cool, dry place long-term.

Storing Hardneck Garlic

Proper storage keeps your garlic harvest fresh. Hardnecks have a shorter shelf life than softnecks:

• Store at cool temps between 32-65°F with 60-70% humidity.

• Good air circulation prevents mold and sprouting.

• No light – Light causes garlic to sprout. Keep in the dark.

• Don’t refrigerate – Cold damages flavor.

• Cure bulbs well – Curing allows 3-8 month storage time.

Enjoying Your Hardneck Garlic Harvest

Once cured and stored, enjoy using your homegrown garlic:

• Add flavor by chopping, mincing, roasting or pureeing cloves.

• Make infused olive oil for dipping and drizzling.

• Craft homemade garlic powder, salt, vinegar or compound butter.

• Blend into hummus, tapenades, salsas, pestos, etc.

With some planning and preparation, growing your own hardneck garlic bulbs provides huge flavor and satisfaction!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic?

• Hardneck has a stiff central stalk and larger cloves. Softneck has a flexible stalk and smaller, multi-layered cloves.

How big do hardneck garlic bulbs get?

• Depending on variety, cured hardneck bulbs are typically 2-4 inches wide. Cloves are around 1 inch vs. 1/2 inch for softnecks.

Can you grow hardneck garlic in southern climates?

• While hardneck garlic prefers cooler climates, some heat-adapted varieties tolerate warmer regions.

Do you have to dig up hardneck garlic each year?

• Yes, hardneck garlic is grown as an annual. Bulbs must be replanted yearly or they will split and deteriorate if left in ground.

How close together should you plant hardneck garlic cloves?

• Space hardneck garlic cloves 6-8 inches apart in all directions. Rows should be 18-24 inches apart.

How can you use the scapes from hardneck garlic plants?

• Garlic scapes can be harvested and eaten! They have a mild garlic flavor and crisp, asparagus-like texture when sautéed or stir-fried.