Before you start selecting which variety of garlic you want, you should understand the types that are available. While there are many varieties of garlic, there are two main types -Softneck and Hardneck.
Softneck Garlic does not produce a scape, has a soft/flexible stem so it is good for braiding. This type does well in warmer and cold climates and stores the longest (10 to 12 months). This type is preferred by commercial growers because of their long storage life. Also, this type of garlic produces cloves in several layers around the central stem. Softneck Garlic has a mild flavor.Â
Within Softneck Garlic, there are two main sub types:
- Artichoke – Produces up to 20 smaller cloves with a mild flavor and matures early to mid-season.
- Silverskin – Very long storing garlic that matures late.
Hardneck Garlic produces a scape, has a hard stem and grows well in cooler climates. This type stores for only 4 to 6 months.  Hardnecks produce larger cloves.  Hardneck garlic is known to have more complex flavors.  Spanish Roja Garlic is one of the Hardneck varieties that I have grown.
Within Hardneck Garlic, there are these main sub types:
- Porcelain – Large bulbs with strong flavor and heat that mature late in the season.
- Purple Stripe – This one has purple striped clove wrapper, is the best for baking and matures mid-season to late.
- Rocambole – Large, light brown clove wrappers that mature mid-season.
- Turban – Very mild tasting garlic that matures early to mid-season.
