hardneck v softneck garlic

[steveg1966]

I have just planted some softneck and hardneck garlic on my allotment although I have grown softneck I have never grown hardneck whats the difference and will they harvest at approx the same time.

[steveg1966]

[goodlife]

Generally hardneck varieties are planted earlier than softnecks..ideally hardnecks from late autumn to early winter. Softnecks with their later cropping can be planted bit later..usually not much later than February.
Softnecks are said to be better keepers and after harvest, they are dried and traditionally tied into attractive looking plaits.
Taste wise..well they all taste garlicky.
As your planting has been bit late for both varieties...they might not grow very big this year, but they will certainly be edible. If you are not entirely happy with the finished size..dry them...and plant the biggest cloves again in October-December time and they should make decent bulbs for following year.

[InfraDig]

When I first grew hardneck garlic I thought they were going to seed when they produced curly tops, like shepherds' crooks. I found out that they are called "scapes" and are harvested separately. I have to admit that although I did that, I never did used them in cooking!