Soft Neck Garlic

Allium sativum (AL-ee-um sa-TEE-vum sa-TEE-vum)

Family: Amaryllidaceae Non-native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Softneck garlic is a perennial bulb in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) that produces more cloves than its counterpart hardneck garlic but is milder in flavor. It also stores longer, up to 12 months. Softnecks don't have the cold requirements of the hardnecks and do better in warmer climates. There are two types of Softneck Garlic, Silverskin and Artichoke. The Artichoke types are generally larger with 12 to 25 cloves and mature earlier than Silverskin types. Most Softneck varieties do not flower. Plant individual cloves in NC from late Oct. to Nov. and possibly through December in the more southern areas for a May to June harvest time. It needs at least 4-6 weeks to get established before the ground freezes. Space 6-8 inches apart and 2-3 inches deep. Plant in loose, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun and mulch to help prevent weed competition. Cut back on watering before harvest time to prevent bulb rot. Harvest garlic when about half of the leaves have started turning brown. Garlic needs to cure after harvesting in a warm, dry place out of the sun. Once the leaves have completely dried, you can remove and discard the leaves, roots and outer wraps. Softnecks can also be braided together for storage. Garlic is grown both commercially and in the home edible garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Bulb rot can occur in too-wet soil. Bulb mites can occur VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Allium sativum .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 49 attributes.