Overview

Embark on a rewarding gardening journey with our premium selection of softneck garlic seed bulbs. This offering provides high-quality, non-GMO heirloom garlic bulbs and individual cloves specifically chosen for planting. Softneck garlic varieties are well-regarded for their ease of braiding, mild yet rich flavor, and excellent storage capabilities, making them a favorite among home gardeners and professional chefs alike. Unlike the hardneck varieties, softnecks typically produce many smaller cloves and do not form a central flower stalk, or ‘scape’. Our mixed pack offers a delightful assortment of robust softneck varieties, ensuring a diverse and abundant harvest that will elevate your culinary creations. Prepare to transform your garden into a source of fresh, flavorful garlic ready for a multitude of dishes.

This collection is comprised of whole bulbs and individual cloves, ready for direct planting in your garden. The genetic purity of these non-GMO bulbs ensures that you are growing a truly natural product, free from genetic modification. Planting these heirloom varieties means you are also preserving agricultural heritage and enjoying flavors that have been cherished for generations. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to plant softneck garlic is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results.

Key Benefits

Our softneck garlic seed bulbs offer a multitude of advantages for both the gardener and the home cook. These benefits extend from the ease of cultivation to the delightful culinary uses and long-term storage solutions they provide:

• Exceptional Flavor Profile: Enjoy a richer, more nuanced flavor than typical store-bought garlic. These heirloom varieties are known for their robust and aromatic qualities, perfect for enhancing any meal.
• Long Shelf Life: Softneck garlic is renowned for its superior storage capabilities, often lasting 6-9 months or even longer when properly cured. This means you can enjoy your harvest well into the next year.
• Easy to Braid: The soft necks of these varieties make them ideal for braiding, which not only looks beautiful but also improves air circulation, contributing to their extended storage life.
• Non-GMO & Heirloom Quality: Plant with confidence knowing you are growing non-gmo garlic bulbs that are true to type and have been passed down through generations for their desirable characteristics.
• Versatile Culinary Use: From roasting and sautéing to making sauces and marinades, the cloves are perfect for all your culinary needs. They are a staple in kitchens worldwide.
• Abundant Harvest: With proper care, these bulbs will produce large, healthy heads of garlic, providing you with a generous supply for personal use or sharing.
• Adaptable for Various Climates: While thriving in cooler climates, softneck garlic can also adapt to a wider range of growing conditions compared to some hardneck varieties, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Successfully growing softneck garlic seed bulbs requires attention to a few key factors, primarily focusing on proper planting time, soil conditions, and ongoing care. The ideal time to plant softneck garlic is in the fall, typically 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes solid in your region. This allows the roots to establish before winter, leading to a more robust plant come spring. Separate the individual cloves from the bulb, planting them with the pointed end facing up, about 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Ensure rows are spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. A protective layer of mulch, such as straw or chopped leaves, applied after planting will help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds through the winter months.

Garlic thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. The pH level of the soil should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.0. Water consistently, especially during active growth in spring and early summer, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Reduce watering as the harvest approaches in late spring to early summer to prevent rot and encourage bulb development. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer. Keep the area around your heirloom garlic for planting free of weeds, as they compete for nutrients and moisture. Softneck garlic is generally hardy in USDA zones 3-9, though specific variety tolerances may vary. Harvest typically occurs when the lower third to half of the leaves have turned yellow and started to dry, usually in late June or July.

Size & Details

This offering includes a selection of premium softneck garlic seed bulbs and individual cloves, provided in a quantity suitable for home garden planting, weighing approximately 1 Pound. The exact number of bulbs and cloves will vary depending on the size of the individual garlic heads, but rest assured you will receive a generous amount for your fall planting. Each clove has the potential to grow into a full-sized bulb, typically yielding 8-15 cloves per bulb at harvest. These heirloom varieties generally produce mature bulbs that are 2-3 inches in diameter. The plants themselves can reach a height of 18-24 inches during their growth cycle before the leaves begin to yellow for harvest. This mix is curated to provide a diverse selection of European, Transylvanian, Giant, and Red softneck types, all known for their vigor and delicious qualities, ensuring a varied and exciting harvest for those interested in fall planting garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How much garlic will I receive? A: You will receive approximately 1 Pound of mixed softneck garlic seed bulbs and cloves. The exact number of bulbs and cloves will vary based on their individual size.
• Q: When is the best time to plant softneck garlic? A: The best time to plant softneck garlic is in the fall, about 4-6 weeks before the first hard freeze in your area. This allows the roots to establish before winter.
• Q: Is this garlic organic? A: While not explicitly certified organic, these are non-gmo garlic bulbs and heirloom varieties, meaning they are natural and untampered with. We recommend following organic gardening practices.
• Q: How deep should I plant the cloves? A: Plant individual cloves with the pointed end up, about 1-2 inches deep, and 4-6 inches apart.
• Q: What kind of soil does softneck garlic prefer? A: Softneck garlic thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Q: How long does it take for the garlic to mature? A: Garlic planted in the fall will typically be ready for harvest in late June or July of the following year, which is generally 8-9 months after planting.
• Q: Can I grow this garlic in containers? A: Yes, you can grow heirloom garlic for planting in containers, provided they are large enough (at least 8-10 inches deep) and have good drainage.
• Q: How do I know when the garlic is ready to harvest? A: Harvest when the lower third to half of the leaves have turned yellow and started to dry. Avoid waiting until all leaves are brown, as this can lead to overripe bulbs.
• Q: What are the storage recommendations for softneck garlic? A: After harvesting, cure the garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks. Once cured, store in a cool, dark, dry place, ideally braided or in mesh bags, for extended freshness.
• Q: Will this garlic grow well in my region? A: Softneck garlic is generally adaptable and grows well in USDA Zones 3-9. For specific regional advice on fall planting garlic, consult your local agricultural extension office.