Softneck garlic

Best Softneck Garlic Varieties for Home Gardens

ByStephen Albert

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Softneck garlic is the variety most home gardeners choose—and for good reason. It’s adaptable, stores for months, and produces plenty of cloves. After growing garlic for over 30 years in both warm and mild climates, I’ve found that softneck types consistently deliver reliable harvests, even when winters are mild.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best softneck garlic varieties for your garden.

1. California Early

  • Type: Artichoke softneck
  • Flavor: Mild and smooth, perfect for everyday cooking.
  • Storage: Keeps 6–9 months.
  • Why I recommend it: California Early is widely available and one of the easiest garlics to grow. It’s always given me full bulbs in Zone 9b, even in years when winter wasn’t especially cold.

2. Inchelium Red

  • Type: Artichoke softneck
  • Flavor: Rich, complex taste that won top honors in a garlic flavor contest.
  • Storage: Stores 6–8 months.
  • Why I recommend it: Inchelium Red consistently produces large bulbs with great flavor balance. It’s my favorite for roasting whole.

3. Silverskin Types (e.g., Silver Rose)

  • Type: Silverskin softneck
  • Flavor: Stronger and sharper than artichokes.
  • Storage: Up to 12 months, the longest of any garlic type.
  • Why I recommend it: If you want garlic that lasts well into next summer’s harvest season, Silverskin types are the way to go. In my experience, they’re the best for braiding too.

4. Lorz Italian

  • Type: Artichoke softneck
  • Flavor: Bold, robust flavor—excellent in sauces.
  • Storage: Stores 6–8 months.
  • Why I recommend it: This heirloom from Washington State handles a range of climates and always produces well-formed bulbs.

Growing Tips for Softneck Garlic

  • Planting time: Fall, after soil cools to around 50–60°F (10–15°C).
  • Spacing: 4–6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
  • Care: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during bulb formation.
  • Harvest: When half the leaves turn yellow-brown, usually early summer in warm climates.

🌱 Bottom line: For reliable harvests and long storage, softneck garlic varieties like California Early, Inchelium Red, Silverskin, and Lorz Italian are excellent choices for home gardeners.

Garlic Growing Hub

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Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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