Post by galina on Jun 27, 2010 12:02:04 GMT -5
I used to plant softneck and hardneck garlic in early spring and it was ok, but gardening friends from the USA urged me to try October planting. I tried both the following year and it made only a small difference to the softneck varieties and a bigger difference to hardnecks. We are winter hardiness zone 8. The last two winters were unusually cold and snowy and this really benefited the hardnecks and the elephant garlics. For the first time ever in 2009 I had hardnecks bulbs similar in size to softnecks and 2010 ones look big too but are not yet dug up.
My conclusion for UK/zone 8. Hardnecks need as much chilling as they can get and benefit from planting in October to get their full quota (and preferably a cold winter on top of that), softnecks are not critical.
My conclusion for UK/zone 8. Hardnecks need as much chilling as they can get and benefit from planting in October to get their full quota (and preferably a cold winter on top of that), softnecks are not critical.