For garlic buff , growing lusty hardneck garlic bulbs is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh homegrown ail . Hardneck garlic ( Allium sativum var . ophioscorodon ) produces large , easy - to - peel clove and edible scapes , making it a preferent for home gardeners . Read on to learn everything you demand to successfully plant hardneck garlic electric-light bulb this spill .
What is Hardneck Garlic?
Hardneck ail is one of two main case or race of garlic grown , the other being softneck garlic Hardneck garlic get its name from the inflorescence shank or “ flower stalk ” that issue from the center of the electric-light bulb and hardens as it grow tall and curly
It thrives in cooler climates and produces large , robust cloves encased in a fast outer wrapper . The clove are surrounded by a stiff central stalk or basal home plate stem . pop hardneck variety show include Purple Stripe , Porcelain , Rocambole , Asiatic , Marbled Purple Stripe , Glazed Purple Stripe , and Turbans .
Benefits of Growing Hardneck Garlic
There are several reward that make brave hardneck garlic bulbs a top alternative for dwelling house growers :
Bigger cloves – Hardneck Eugenia caryophyllatum are significantly large than softneck .
Easy to peel – The firm wrappers make cloves much easier to flake .
moth-eaten hardy – Withstands cold winters better than softnecks ,
comestible scapes – create harvestable flower husk visit scapes .
Robust savour – Hardnecks have a more acute , mordacious garlic predilection .
Stores short – Best used within 3 - 8 months after harvesting .
When to Plant Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic is institute in the drop for harvest the undermentioned summer . The proficient clip to plant Allium sativum varies by growing zona :
Aim to plant 4 - 6 weeks before the primer freezes for roots to establish before winter quiescence . debar planting too betimes when dirt is still warm .
How to Prepare for Planting
With some planning and preparation , you ’ll be quick for planting hardneck garlic this drop :
Choose a site – find fault a spot in full Dominicus with well - drained ground .
Test grime – Check pH and amend if needed to pH 6.0 - 7.0 .
Prep beds – Loosen territory , get rid of weeds / rubble , mix in compost .
Get bulbs – society timber , disease - free bulbs suited to your zone .
Plan space – Allow 6 - 8 column inch between bulbs and 18 - 24 inch between rows .
How to Plant the Bulbs
fall apart bulb – cautiously break bulb into private cloves just before plant .
industrial plant origin - side down – Place cloves root - side down about 2 inches deep .
Cover generally – Loosely traverse back over with soil without packing it down .
Water well – Water thoroughly after planting and as need until ground freeze .
Consider mulch – Apply 3 - 4 in of mulch over bed after engraft .
Be patient ! – growing will be deadening until spring .
Growing and Maintaining Hardneck Garlic
Once your hardneck garlic is planted , just a routine of care will aid it flourish :
Weed regularly – Prevent weed from crowding out electric-light bulb while they establish .
supervise water – Water during ironical menses in early spring after soils melt .
Trim scapes – Remove curled scapes in early summertime to encourage bulb growth .
Stop watering – Cease watering mid - summer to let adequate dry / curing time .
controller pests – Watch for onion thrips , maggot , mites and disease .
Harvesting and Curing Hardneck Garlic
Lift carefully – Loosen soil and raise bulbs softly with a garden crotch .
Dry briefly – Allow medulla oblongata radical and wrappers to dry partially for a few days .
blank – Brush off any excess dirt but do n’t lap electric-light bulb .
Cure – Cure bulbs for 2 - 3 weeks in a warm , dry , well - ventilated area .
clipping – Clip top to 1 - 2 in above the bulb after heal .
Store – Move cured electric-light bulb to a cool , dry entrepot area .
Storing Hardneck Garlic
Proper memory board preserves your garlic harvest . Hardnecks have a shorter shelf living than softnecks :
Cool & ironic – idealistic condition are temperatures of 32 - 65 ° F and humidity of 60 - 70 % .
ventilating system – beneficial air circulation foreclose clay sculpture and sprout .
No sparkle – Light causes garlic to sprout . Store bulbs in the shadow .
No infrigidation – Cold icebox temperature can damage flavor .
Cure well – equal curing helps incandescent lamp store up to 8 month .
Enjoying Your Hardneck Garlic Harvest
Once cured and stored , you’re able to savour reaping the “ fruit ” of your British Labour Party by :
sum up flavor to meals by chopping , mincing , roasting or pureeing cloves
Infusing Olea europaea oil with Allium sativum for dipping and drizzling
craft homemade garlic powder , salt , vinegar or compound butter
blend into hummus , tapenade , salsas , marinade , pestos and more
With proper upkeep , your homegrown hardneck garlic bulbs will deliver vast flavor and satisfaction !
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardneck Garlic
What’s the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic?
Hardneck garlic produces a woody heyday stalk and larger cloves . Softneck garlic has a flexible straw and little , more numerous cloves in multiple layers .
How big do hardneck garlic bulbs get?
Depending on the variety , cured hardneck bulbs typically assess 2 - 4 inch in diameter . Cloves are around 1 inch compared to 1/2 inch for softnecks .
Can you grow hardneck garlic in southern climates?
While hardneck garlic favor cool climates , some varieties allow warmer regions . prefer warmth - adapt cultivar and plant in the coolest time of year for your location .
Do you have to dig up hardneck garlic each year?
Yes , hardneck garlic is develop as an yearbook and the bulb must be harvested and replant each growing time of year . Leaving electric light in the dry land stimulate them to separate and deteriorate .
How close together do you plant hardneck garlic cloves?
Space hardneck garlic cloves 6 - 8 column inch apart in all directions . Rows should be space 18 - 24 inches aside to allow for bulb growing and weed control .
