Cold climate softneck garlic?

Hello, I'm looking for a cold climate- (Zone 5) friendly softneck garlic. I grow hardneck quite well but they don't keep past March/April. Fruition used to sell a cold-weather adapted Lorz (https://www.fruitionseeds.com/shop/vegetables/garlic/organic-lorz-italian-softneck-garlic/) but since they're stopping selling stuff, I don't feel so sure about trying Lorz from a different supplier.

Any suggestions?

Both silverskins and creoles are much longer storing garlics than Lorz which appears to be an artichoke.

Although softnecks are more adapted to warmer climates, there is no reason that they wouldn't re acclimate to cooler conditions - the bulbs may be much smaller though.

If you have an unheated greenhouse or tunnel house, you could try growing a few plants under cover for a few seasons and gradually grow a few outdoors without protection to see how they adapt to your cooler climate.

Another option might be to plant them in late winter, early spring which ought to work for silverskins.

Planting in the open ground in autumn with a heavy mulch of woodchips and scraping the mulch back in spring to allow the soil to warm up may also be an alternative to growing under cover.

Do let us know how you get along.

Since you’re dealing with a cold climate, finding a softneck garlic that can handle those conditions can be tricky, but totally doable. You’re right—hardnecks tend to store well, but only up to a certain point.
If you’re looking for a good softneck that can stand the cold, try Inchelium Red or Nootka Rose. They’re both known to be pretty hardy and also have a longer storage life. Inchelium Red has a nice mild flavor and stores for 6-9 months, while Nootka Rose has a stronger flavor and can last even longer.If you’re worried about trying Lorz from another supplier, just make sure they have a solid reputation for growing in similar conditions.

Hi Jamie,

Welcome to Permies.