Check out the list of Different Types of Garlic to Grow in Garden to enhance your culinary creations and enjoy a diverse range of flavors!
Discover the Different Types of Garlic to Grow in the Garden with their distinctive flavors and aromas. From robust and pungent hardneck garlic to mild and versatile softneck varieties, explore the diverse world of garlic cultivars!
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Types Of Garlic
These types differ in certain characteristics, including flavor, storage ability, and the way the garlic bulb grows.
1. Softneck Garlic
Softneck garlic is another type of garlic variety, distinct from hardneck garlic. It is characterized by its flexible, pliable stem, which lacks the rigid central stalk (scape) found in hardneck garlic.
Softneck garlic has a milder flavor compared to hardneck garlic. Its taste can be described as slightly sweet, pungent, and with less heat. The aroma is also milder compared to hardneck varieties.
2. Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic refers to a specific type of garlic that is characterized by the presence of a hard, woody stem or scape. It is called “hardneck” because of the stiff, central stalk that emerges from the bulb and develops a flower stalk, known as a scape.
Hardneck garlic is known for its strong and complex flavor profiles, which can vary depending on the specific variety. The taste is often described as robust, pungent, and sometimes even spicy. The flavor intensity can mellow and develop further during cooking.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that within each type and subcategory, there are many different cultivars, each with its own distinct characteristics, flavors, and growth habits. These cultivars can vary in terms of bulb size, flavor intensity, storage life, and adaptability to different climates and growing conditions. We have included the best tasting ones in the list below.
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Different Types of Garlic to Grow in Garden
1. Bogatyr
USDA Zones: 5-10
These types of garlic have an intense flavor, making them ideal for pickling, fermenting, and adding spicy flavors to dishes. It also has a good shelf life.
17. Korean Black Garlic
USDA Zones: 4-9
Also known as “Heumul Black Garlic,” this black garlic type is made through a fermentation process that involves aging raw garlic bulbs under controlled conditions. It has a unique taste profile characterized by rich umami flavors and a hint of sweetness.
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2. Music
USDA Zones: 5-9
These types of garlic have a rich, musky flavor that is quite spicy when eaten raw. This garlic is known for its durability and can be stored for a long time.
12. Rocambole
USDA Zones: 3-9
Culinary enthusiasts highly seek Rocambole garlic for its rich, robust flavor, easy-to-peel cloves, and vibrant purple-striped skin, making it a popular variety.
3. Chesnok Red
USDA Zones: 3-8
Originating from Georgia, Chesnok Red is a visually appealing hardneck purple stripe garlic. It exhibits excellent cold-hardiness. It has a robust flavor and a long shelf life.
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4. Creole Red
USDA Zones: 6-11
These types of garlic have a compact shape, colorful magenta clove skins, and versatile deep flavors. Popular cultivars include ‘Creole Red,’ ‘Ajo Rojo,’ and ‘Ajo Morado’.
13. Fukuchi White
USDA Zones: 4-9
Fukuchi White definitely tops the Best Types of Garlic to Grow in Garden. A prized Asian variety that originates from Japan, its large, white bulbs and easy-to-peel cloves make it a favorite among garlic lovers worldwide.
5. Nootka Rose
USDA Zones: 5-9
A popular choice for spring planting, this silverskin softneck garlic originates from Washington State. It produces bulbs with 12 to 20 cloves, offering a rich and strong flavor.
Check 13 Bad Companion Plants for Garlic here
6. Spanish Roja
USDA Zones: 3-7
Also known as ‘Greek Blue,’ this type of garlic carries a pungent and complex flavor; it is hot when raw and mellows with a slightly sweeter taste when cooked.
14. Purple Sensation
USDA Zones: 4-8
Purple Sensation is a captivating ornamental garlic variety that features striking purple flower heads atop tall, sturdy stems.
7. Korean Red
USDA Zones: 3-11
A resilient hardneck porcelain garlic gaining popularity, it yields plentiful cloves with auburn to red skins. Known for its citrusy flavor, it excels in roasting.
15. Cristo
USDA Zones: 4-11
Cristo is an exquisite ornamental garlic variety that showcases large, globe-shaped flower heads in a soft white color.
8. Russian Giant
USDA Zones: 5-11
Russian Giant, a marbled purple stripe garlic, features red-purple clove wrappers. With fat cloves that are easy to slice, it offers a mild and delicious flavor.
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9. Rose de Lautrec
USDA Zones: 6-11
These aromatic types of garlic have a subtly sweet flavor and have gained popularity among garlic enthusiasts. It may require some effort to grow.
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16. Ajo Negro
USDA Zones: 4-9
Did you know that the Best Types of Garlic to Grow in Garden also included black varieties? Spanish Black Garlic, often referred to as “Ajo Negro,” is a specialty garlic variety from Spain that has lustrous black cloves with a soft, chewy texture.
10. German White
USDA Zones: 3-8
These types of garlic are popular for their ease of growth. They have a mild flavor, suitable for cooking and raw consumption in salads.
11. Elephant Garlic
USDA Zones: 3-9
Elephant garlic gets its name from the enormous size of its bulbs. It has a mild flavor, making it best for people who prefer a less intense taste.
Find out about Elephant Garlic and How to Grow It here
18. Kuro Garlic
USDA Zones: 4-10
Kuro garlic is another Japanese variety with black cloves that are glossy, soft, and offer a unique taste experience. It is cherished for its hints of earthiness.
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Garlic Colors
1. White Garlic
White garlic is the most commonly found garlic variety, known for its papery white skin and cloves. It offers a classic, pungent garlic flavor and is a staple in many cuisines.
2. Purple Garlic
Purple garlic, also known as “hardneck” garlic, features vibrant purple streaks on its outer skin. It has a robust flavor and is often favored by culinary enthusiasts for its complex taste profile.
3. Pink Garlic
Pink garlic, also referred to as “rocambole” garlic, showcases a lovely pinkish hue on its skin. It is known for its rich, sweet flavor and is sought after by garlic connoisseurs.
4. Red Garlic
Red garlic exhibits a reddish-brown outer skin with a hint of purple undertones. It offers a bold, spicy flavor that intensifies when cooked, adding depth to various dishes.
5. Black Garlic
Black garlic is not a natural color variation but rather the result of a fermentation process. It undergoes an enzymatic transformation that turns the cloves into a dark, soft, and sweet delicacy with hints of umami.
Garlic Note: Garlic primarily comes in shades of white, purple, pink, red, and black. However, it’s important to note that within these color categories, there can be subtle differences based on the specific garlic cultivar or variety. The intensity and hues of these colors may also vary depending on the garlic’s maturity and growing conditions.
