What is Hardneck Garlic?
Garlic (Allium sativum) ranks as the second most popular Allium crop in the world (behind onions). There are 2 general types of Garlic: Hardneck and Softneck. Softneck garlic is not as suitable for colder climates, being grown more commonly in warm climates like in California, Italy, or areas in China. Its smaller size and not as potent taste make it an easy low cost garlic to grow in the correct climate. Softneck generally store 8-12 months because of the tighter bulb structure.
Hardneck garlic is winter hardy and is designed ideally for colder climates. Hardneck garlic requires a period of cold exposure to properly develop bulbs with distinct cloves, this process is called vernalization. This process also promotes root growth, ensuring the plant is well established before warmer spring weather arrives. The cloves grow in a circle around the center of the stalk and also produces a scape (think curly green onion) that can be cut and consumed. It's a 2 for 1 plant! Hardneck garlic will store for around 6-9 months and boasts robust, complex, and strong flavors. This type of garlic is the ideal choice for seed stock and planting because of its size, in turn leading to larger yields for the planter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I plant garlic from the store?
Garlic from the grocery store is the soft neck variety grown in California or China. Softneck varieties grow in zones 5 and up. Garlic from the grocery store is often treated with sprout inhibitors, pesticides, and bleach to prolong it from sprouting. The garlic in the store is generally not fresh and has been stored for a long period of time before being sold.
Are you an organic farm?
Yes! We grow ALL our garlic using organic practices.
Why is your garlic better/different than store bought?
Experience the authentic taste of homegrown hardneck garlic! Our plants are grown free from harsh chemicals and bleaching commonly used in store products. The robust and strong tastes of our varieties outmatch the mild flavor profiles found in your common grocery store. With such concentrated flavor you can be as sparing as you would like with garlic applications in dishes, while still noticing the savory affects of this garlic.
What is the difference between culinary and seed garlic?
Both culinary garlic and seed garlic are edible. Seed garlic is made up of larger bulbs saved and planted for the next year. Culinary garlic, typically smaller in size, is mainly used for consumption but can also be used for planting purposes.