Premium Seed Garlic for Sale | Hardneck & Softneck Varieties
Garlic Gods moved to Tennessee!
Pre-Orders will open in April and begin shipping in September 2026 for fall planting.
Some of our garlic varieties have changed
Because of the move to Tennessee, we will no longer be able to ship garlic to Idaho's quarantined counties. For more information please read this blog post.
Garlic Gods are Tennessee-based family garlic farmers specializing in premium seed garlic for home gardeners, homesteaders, and market growers across the United States. We offer hardneck seed garlic and softneck seed garlic varieties selected for flavor, storage life, climate adaptability, and garden performance — shipped from eastern Tennessee every fall.
We grow certified seed garlic for every zone. Our garlic seed performs across USDA zones 3–10, from the coldest winters of Minnesota and Alaska to the mild climates of the Southeast and Pacific Coast. Whether you're seeking hardneck seed garlic for bold flavor or softneck seed garlic for superior storage, we have the right seed garlic for sale for your garden.
We begin shipping nationwide in September. Our garlic bulbs for planting ship in the order received, timed for fall planting — delivered direct to your door. Every order of certified seed garlic includes storage instructions so your seed garlic stays in optimal condition until your region is ready to plant.
Hardneck or softneck? Hardneck varieties thrive in cold winters (zones 3–8) and deliver bold, complex flavor. Softneck varieties excel in mild winters and offer excellent braiding and storage potential. Our seed garlic for sale includes both types, so you can choose the garlic bulbs for planting that match your climate and culinary preferences.
Guide for the United States
by USDA Growing Zone
How to Know When Your Garlic is Ready
Frequently Asked Questions
What is seed garlic?
Seed garlic is garlic grown specifically for replanting — not for eating. It's selected for size, health, and variety purity. Planting seed garlic (rather than grocery store garlic) gives you disease-free stock with known variety characteristics and reliable performance in your garden.
Can I plant grocery store garlic?
Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. Grocery store garlic is often treated to suppress sprouting, may carry disease, and is almost never labeled by variety. Seed garlic gives you a known variety, clean stock, and predictable results.
Hardneck vs. softneck garlic — what's the difference?
Hardneck garlic produces a rigid central stalk (the scape), has fewer but larger cloves, and delivers bolder, more complex flavor. It thrives in cold winters (zones 3–8). Softneck garlic has no central stalk, produces more cloves per bulb, stores longer (up to 12 months), and performs well in warmer climates (zones 8–11).
Popular hardneck varieties:
German Extra Hardy, Chesnok Red, Messidor, Rocambole, and German Extra Hardy are excellent cold-hardy choices.
Popular softneck varieties:
Messidor, Silverskin, and Artichoke types are great for storage and milder climates.
When should I plant garlic?
Plant in fall (September–November) for spring harvest. Garlic needs a cold period (vernalization) to develop proper bulbs.
How do I store seed garlic?
Keep in a cool (50–60°F), dry place with good air circulation. Avoid plastic bags; use mesh or paper instead.
Variety Comparison Guide
| Variety | Type | Flavor | Heat | Storage | Best Zones | Cloves/Bulb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Porcelain Hardneck | Rich, bold | Medium | 5–6 months | 3–8 | 4–6 |
| German Red | Rocambole Hardneck | Complex, savory | Medium-high | 4–5 months | 3–8 | 8–12 |
| Chesnok Red | Purple Stripe Hardneck | Sweet, great for roasting | Medium | 5–6 months | 3–8 | 8–12 |
| Russian Red | Marbled Purple Stripe Hardneck | Full, rich | Medium-high | 5–6 months | 3–8 | 5–8 |
| Korean Red | Asiatic Hardneck | Intense, spicy | Very high | 4–5 months | 3–8 | 8–10 |
| Italian Red | Porcelain Hardneck | Bold, hot | High | 5–6 months | 3–8 | 4–6 |
| Persian Star | Purple Stripe Hardneck | Rich, complex | Medium | 5–6 months | 3–8 | 8–12 |
| Inchelium Red | Artichoke Softneck | Mild, balanced | Low-medium | 9–10 months | 6–10 | 10–15 |
| Messidor | Artichoke Softneck | Mild, clean | Low | 9–10 months | 6–10 | 12–16 |
| Castano | Artichoke Softneck | Savory, rich | Medium | 8–10 months | 6–10 | 12–18 |
| Morado | Creole | Intense, complex | High | 9–12 months | 6–10 | 8–12 |
Hardneck and Softneck Seed Garlic
The "neck" refers to the stalk that grows out of the ground, upwards, from the bulb. Hardneck garlics have a "stalk" (scape) that stems from the center of the bulb and turns rigid at maturity. Softneck stalks are made up of leaves and remain soft and flexible at maturity.
Softneck garlics are largely adaptable and grow well in warm and southern climates as they are not cold hardy. Softnecks can grow well in USDA hardiness zones 6-10, but may require mulch in cold areas. Softnecks also store very well, lasting 9-12 months when properly cured and stored. There are more cloves in each bulb with two layers, some small and some large. While all cloves can be planted, we suggest planting the large cloves first and if you have remaining space plant the smaller cloves.
Hardneck garlics tend to grow best in colder climates, as they are very winter hardy. Hardnecks can grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and are not suggested in warmer climates. Hardnecks produce scapes, which if left on the plant will eventually flower. These bulbs are typically easier to peel and are more flavorful than softnecks. With fewer and larger cloves per head than softneck garlics. Hardneck garlics do not have as long of a shelf life and typically store between 4 and 6 months.
Garlic Grown With Love
hand weeded, hand harvested, hand cleaned, and hand packaged by garlic farmers!