"CULTURE: People all over the world have used garlic for centuries. Specialty garlic is food that can be enjoyed in a manner much like fine wine. Garlic thrives in rich, well drained, composted soil with a pH between 6-7. Adapted to many climates, garlic is easy to grow and is bothered by few pests. Separate the cloves of garlic just prior to planting. Plant the cloves 4-6 inches apart, covering them with 1-2 inches of soil. Elephant garlic is planted 6-8 inches apart and covered with 4-6 inches of soil. In the maritime Northwest, garlic is best planted by October so it has time to establish a good root system before cold damp weather settles in. When spring growth begins, water to keep the soil slightly moist, and fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer applied every two weeks until bulbing begins. As harvest approaches, watering should be less frequent to avoid molding or staining. Cut off any flowering stems at the top leaf to redirect energy to the bulb.

HARVEST: Garlic should be harvested when 3-4 green leaves remain on the stem. Each green leaf represents one layer of covering over the bulb in the ground. If there are no green leaves when you harvest, you may find the cloves are exposed when you dig up the garlic. Tie the plants in small bundles and dry in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated location. After about 2 weeks, you can hang the bundles in a cool location, out of any direct sunlight. You can also remove the stems and store the garlic heads in a mesh bag.

Softneck Garlic Allium sativum subsp. sativum
These varieties produce 6-18 cloves in several layers around a soft central stem. Approximate cloves per pound is 50-90, but this can vary based on seasonal conditions and the variety. These easy-to-grow garlics are excellent in the kitchen and usually have the best storage qualities. Great for braiding.

Approximate Cloves per head: 6-18
Approximate Cloves per pound: 50-90

Hardneck Garlic Allium sativum subsp. ophioscorodon
These garlics typically produce 5-10 cloves per head. Approximate cloves per pound is 40-65 but this can vary based on seasonal conditions and the variety. Cloves grow in a single circle around a central woody stem. These varieties also produce, or attempt to produce, a flower stalk. What makes these garlics stand out is the range and quality of flavors they exhibit. Hardneck garlics have a shorter storage life than softnecks.

Approximate Cloves per head: 5-10
Approximate Cloves per pound: 40-65

Elephant Garlic Allium ampeloprasum
This extra large garlic is actually more closely related to a leek. Its popularity is unquestioned, and it is a good choice for a milder tasting garlic.

Approximate Cloves per head: 5-7
Approximate Cloves per pound: 8-14

Garlic is shipped only in the fall-late September or early October, depending on the season. Quantities are limited; order before September 15th for best availability. Sorry, not available to Idaho or Canada.

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