Garlic Bulbs Buyer's Guide

Garlic is a fuss-free member of the Allium genus that’s closely related to onions, leeks and chives. It’s a great plant for beginners because it’s so easy to grow. You can choose from either hardneck or softneck varieties and grow your own savory, pungent garlic right in your own home garden.

Hardneck garlic bulbs—the best choice for Northern gardeners—are larger and more flavor-forward. Mellower softneck garlic grows better in warmer climates and is the right choice if you intend to store your garlic for a long period. Garlic forms bulbs that separate into cloves. To plant, just separate the cloves and plant each clove about 2-4 inches deep, 6 inches apart, with the root-end touching the soil. It’s best to plant garlic in the fall because it will have more time to grow and mature than if planted in the spring.

Harvesting garlic is much like harvesting onions. When the bottom leaves start to turn brown and shrivel, it’s time to harvest. Gently dig up the bulb and move it to a shady spot that is dry and has good air circulation. It will cure in 2-3 weeks. Store garlic by braiding softneck varieties and hanging them in a cool, dry place. Hardneck varieties can be left at room temperature (refrigerating garlic will cause it to sprout).

USDA Certified Organic Garlic

At our nursery, we proudly offer USDA Certified Organic Garlic, ensuring our garlic is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This certification guarantees that our garlic is produced using sustainable farming practices that benefit both the environment and your health. Organic farming promotes biodiversity, soil health, and ecological balance, resulting in garlic that is free from harmful chemical residues and rich in natural flavor.

To ensure your growing success and satisfaction, there are a few things to consider when you buy garlic bulbs:

Zone Compatibility

Your climate plays an important role in whether or not your garlic plant will be successful. Before ordering a garlic plant, make sure its recommended hardiness-zone range includes your area.

Neck Type

Our garlic varieties consist of softneck and hardneck types, which are appropriate for growing in Zones 3-9.

Products

How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bed
How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bed properly is essential for growing healthy, productive garlic plants. Garlic is usually planted in the fall, as it needs a cold period to establish strong roots before spring growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your garlic bed for planting.
Which Garlic is Best for You? Hardneck or Softneck Garlic? Stark Bros garlic varietiesStark Bros garlic varietiesStark Bros garlic varieties
Which Garlic is Best for You? Hardneck or Softneck Garlic? When it comes to growing garlic there are 2 main types, the hardneck and the softneck. Each type has its benefits and characteristics and planting both may be a good option for you. 
Garlic Harvesting, Curing & Storage: When & How Harvested garlic bulb.Harvested garlic bulb.Harvested garlic bulb.
Garlic Harvesting, Curing & Storage: When & How The best time to harvest garlic depends on the variety and growing conditions, but generally, it's harvested when the bulbs have reached their maximum size, and the plant's leaves have started to yellow and die back. Harvesting garlic at the right time ensures that the bulbs are fully developed and have a good flavor.
How to Know When to Harvest Hardneck Garlic Garlic Harvesting thumbnail with garlic scapesGarlic Harvesting thumbnail with garlic scapesGarlic Harvesting thumbnail with garlic scapes
How to Know When to Harvest Hardneck Garlic How do you get two harvests out of your garlic? Plant a hardneck variety! Well-loved for their scapes, hardneck garlic bulbs put off a tasty garlic "shoot" in the early summer that can be harvested and used to add flavor to many dishes.
How to Plant Garlic Rows of Garlic PlantsRows of Garlic PlantsRows of Garlic Plants
How to Plant Garlic Growing garlic is easy. It starts with a well-prepared planting site so that you can get the most out of your harvest. Find out more about growing garlic.

Survival Guaranteed!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.