Plant DetailShow Menu

Allium sativum var. sativum is often confused with:
Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon Growing in the garden
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Allium ampeloprasum Elephant garlic growing
Allium sativum garlic
Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon Growing in the garden
Allium sativum var. sativum has some common insect problems:
Bulb Mites

Softneck Garlic Allium sativum var. sativum

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
AL-ee-um sa-TEE-vum sa-TEE-vum
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Softneck Garlic produces more cloves than its counterpart Hardneck Garlic but is milder in flavor.  It is also a much better storage choice as properly stored bulbs in cool dry environments can last up to 12 months.  Softneck is tolerant of browsing by deer and can be planted near black walnut trees. Softnecks don't have the cold requirements of the Hardnecks and do better in warmer climates. There are 2 types of Softneck Garlic, Silverskin and Artichoke. The Artichoke types are generally larger with 12-25 cloves and mature earlier than Silverskin types. Most Softneck varieties do not flower.

Plant cloves in NC from late Oct. to Nov. and possible through Dec in the more southern areas for a May to June harvest time. It needs at least 4-6 weeks to get established before the ground freezes. Space 6-8 inches apart and 2-3 inches deep. Plant in loose fertile well-drained soil in full sun and mulch to help prevent weed competition. Cut back on watering before harvest time to prevent bulb rot. 

Harvest garlic when about half of the leaves have started turning brown. Garlic needs to cure after harvesting in a warm dry place out of the sun. Once the leaves have completely dried you can remove the leaves, roots and outer wraps. Softnecks can also be braided together for storage.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Bulb rot can occur in too wet soil. Bulb mites can occur

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Allium sativum.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#mass planting#deer resistant#vegetable garden#vegetable#cool season vegetable#annual vegetable#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#black walnut toxicity tolerant#edible bulbs
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#mass planting#deer resistant#vegetable garden#vegetable#cool season vegetable#annual vegetable#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#black walnut toxicity tolerant#edible bulbs
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Allium
    Species:
    sativum
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Middle East Asia
    Edibility:
    Bulbs are edible raw or cooked. However, the plant also has poisonous characteristics as noted in the "Poisonous to Humans" section of this record. Toxicity can depend on the age of the person or animal, the age of the plant, the part of the plant ingested, how much is ingested, whether the person or animal has sensitivities or allergies, whether it's eaten raw or cooked, and so forth. Consult with a medical professional for further details.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 0 ft. 2 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Cool Season Vegetable
    Edible
    Perennial
    Vegetable
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruit
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    Rarely flowers
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Linear flat green leaves
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Deer
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    N-propyl disulfide
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Roots