Types of Garlic to Plant In Your Garden

Hardneck Garlic (Zones 1–6)
• Has a thick central stem that produces a garlic scape.
• Needs vernalization — a natural cold period that signals the plant to form a bulb.
• Plant no later than September so it gets the chill time it needs.

Softneck Garlic (Zones 7–11)
• No central stem, more flexible neck — this is the variety you often see braided.
• Doesn’t require vernalization, making it great for warmer climates.
• Plant by November at the latest.

Garlic takes about 8 to 9 months to mature, which is why it’s planted in the fall or early winter and harvested the following summer.

Garlic is grown from cloves, and while you can plant ones from the grocery store, make sure you’re buying the whole bulb and that it’s the right type (hardneck or softneck) for your zone. Whenever possible, choose organic garlic to avoid cloves that have been treated to prevent sprouting. USDA-certified seed garlic from a reputable nursery is your best bet for healthy, disease-free plants.