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Hardneck garlic grows a stiff central stalk called a scape. That stalk is the plant putting energy into a flower stem — and it is also why the bulbs form fewer, larger cloves with more layered flavor than the mild, papery garlic you find in most grocery stores.
Softneck garlic is bred for long storage and shipping, not taste. Hardneck varieties are prized by cooks because the cloves are fatter, easier to peel, and far more aromatic — from sweet and earthy to sharp heat, depending on the type. If you want garlic that actually tastes like garlic, hardneck is the one to cook with.
Grocery garlic is almost always a generic softneck, often stored for months and grown for shelf life. We grow hardneck varieties that we also incorporate into the products we produce — from what is on the shelf now to the creations still ahead. You get named varieties, harvest-fresh character, and cloves that still have the oils and bite that make a dish memorable.
Each hardneck type has its own personality. Some, like Chesnok Red, lean sweet and roast beautifully. Others, like Music or Georgian Fire, bring more heat and a lingering finish. Use the flavor filters on our shop page to browse by sharp, earthy, mild, or sweet — then pick the one that matches how you cook.
Keep bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sun — a pantry or mesh bag works well. Do not refrigerate whole bulbs, and avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture. Hardneck does not store as long as commercial softneck, so cook it while it is at its peak. That shorter window is part of why it tastes so much better.
Yes. Hardneck garlic is excellent for the garden. Separate cloves just before planting in fall, set them point-up a couple of inches deep, and mulch. You will get scapes in early summer and a new crop of bulbs later in the season. Starting with our seed-quality heirlooms is one of the best ways to grow garlic with real flavor at home.
Whole bulbs are sold in half-pound increments so you can try a variety — or stock up on a favorite — without buying more than you need. Choose your quantity on each product, add it to the cart, and check out securely through Shopify.
