Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic — Types Guide

Not all garlic is the same. The type you choose affects flavor, clove size, storage life, and how well it grows in your climate. This guide covers everything you need to know to pick the right garlic for your garden and your kitchen.

The Two Main Categories

Hardneck Garlic

Hardneck garlic grows a stiff central stem called a scape — a curling flower stalk that appears in late spring. Cutting the scape redirects the plant's energy into the bulb, producing larger cloves. Scapes are also delicious eaten on their own.

Hardnecks tend to have:

Fewer, larger cloves arranged in a single layer
Bolder, more complex flavor than softnecks
Shorter storage life (5–8 months)
Better performance in colder climates

Hardneck is the right choice if you want maximum flavor and you'll use your garlic within several months of harvest.

Softneck Garlic

Softneck garlic doesn't produce a scape. Its flexible stem is what makes garlic braids possible. Softnecks are the type most commonly found in grocery stores — bred for long shelf life and adaptability across climates.

More cloves per bulb, arranged in multiple layers
Milder, smoother flavor
Longer storage life (8–12 months)
Strong performance in both warm and cool climates

Softneck is the right choice if you want maximum storage life or plan to make garlic braids.

Hardneck Types We Grow

Porcelain

Porcelain garlic produces some of the largest cloves of any garlic type — typically just 4–6 per bulb, but impressively sized and easy to peel. Flavor is bold and complex with high allicin content. Excellent cold hardiness makes it one of the most reliable performers in northern climates.

Earthwise varieties: Music (medium heat, smooth finish), Georgian Fire (very hot, clean bold flavor)

Rocambole

Rocambole is widely considered the most flavorful of all garlic types — rich, complex, and unmistakably true garlic. Cloves peel easily and the flavor shines both raw and cooked. The trade-off is shorter storage life, which is why Rocambole is rarely found commercially. Growing your own is the best way to enjoy it.

Earthwise variety: Ukrainian Red (moderate heat, classic garlic flavor)

Creole

Creole garlic originates from Spain and performs best in mild-winter climates. It's known for stunning magenta-colored cloves, bold spicy flavor, and surprisingly good storage for a hardneck — often 10 or more months.

Earthwise variety: Donostia Red (spicy, rich heat, beautiful magenta cloves)

Softneck Types We Grow

Artichoke

Artichoke is the most widely grown softneck type — adaptable, high-yielding, and an excellent keeper. Bulbs are large with multiple layers of cloves. The flexible stem makes it ideal for braiding.

Earthwise varieties: Inchelium Red (mild–medium, excellent storage, great for braids), Lorz Italian (moderate–bold, generous yields, stunning in braids)

Quick Comparison

Choose hardneck if: You want the boldest flavor, you're in a cool climate, and you'll use your garlic within 6–8 months of harvest.

Choose softneck if: You want longer storage, you're in a warmer climate, or you want to make garlic braids.

Grow both if: You want variety — use your softnecks for long-term storage and enjoy the hardnecks fresh after harvest while the flavor is at its peak.

Ready to Choose Your Varieties?

All six Earthwise Garlic varieties are grown pesticide-free in Coburg, Oregon and available for preorder each year. Preorders ship in September at the ideal time for fall planting.

Reserve Seed Garlic