Softneck Garlic
Early Italian Garlic brings the authentic flavors of European kitchens to American gardens with its distinctive purple-streaked cloves and spicy, robust character. This softneck artichoke variety matures relatively quickly for garlic, ready to harvest in just 90-150 days, and thrives across hardiness zones 3-9. Each smooth white bulb produces 8-12 large, flavorful cloves that store beautifully for 5-7 months. Chefs worldwide prize this variety for its mild yet rich flavor that transforms everything from infused oils to hearty soups.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-9
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Early Italian apart is its perfect balance of bold flavor and kitchen versatility. The beautiful purple streaks at the base of each clove hint at the spicy character within, while the smooth white bulb wrappers make it ideal for traditional braiding. This organically grown variety delivers both visual appeal and culinary excellence, producing consistently large bulbs with excellent storage life that lets you enjoy homegrown garlic long after harvest.
This versatile garlic excels in countless culinary applications, from creating aromatic infused oils to enriching soups and stews with its spicy, robust flavor. The mild yet rich taste makes it equally at home enjoyed raw in fresh preparations or cooked into hearty dishes. Its excellent braiding qualities also make it perfect for traditional storage and gift-giving, while the large clove size makes prep work efficient.
Plant individual cloves pointed end up in fall for harvest the following summer, typically 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Each bulb will separate into multiple cloves for planting, with a half-pound set containing approximately 3-4 bulbs worth of planting material.
Early Italian Garlic is ready to harvest when the lower leaves begin turning brown, typically after 90-150 days of growth. The bulbs should feel firm and well-developed when gently lifted from the soil. Harvest on a dry day and cure the bulbs in a warm, well-ventilated area before storage or braiding.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.