There are two types or sub-species of garlic, softneck and hardneck. So which is best for you?
Softneck (Allium sativum var. sativum)
• Produces more cloves than hardneck but they are smaller
• Stores better than hardneck
• Not as hardy as hardneck (can be grown in autumn or spring but may need some protection over winter in northern climes)
Varieties to try: ‘Germidour’, ‘Solent Wight’
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Hardneck (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon)
• Produces fewer cloves than softneck but hey are larger
• Stores less well than softneck
• Grows a central flowering stem (or scape) the top of which is edible
• Hardier than softneck (good for autumn planting)
Varieties to try: ‘Czechmate’, ‘Red Duke’
Garlic scapes