Uses and Preparation
- Culinary Uses: California Softneck garlic is perfect for a variety of dishes, from soups and sauces to roasted or sautéed preparations. Its cloves are easy to peel and work well raw in salads or cooked in recipes.
- Preservation: Can be pickled, roasted and frozen, or dehydrated to make garlic powder.
- Preparation: To prepare, separate the cloves from the bulb and remove the papery skin. Crush, chop, or mince according to the recipe.
Storage
- Fresh Bulbs: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight. Ideal storage temperature is between 60°F and 65°F.
- Long-Term Storage: Properly cured bulbs can last 6–8 months. To cure, dry freshly harvested garlic in a warm, dry location with good air circulation for 2–3 weeks before storage.
Planting Information
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Best suited for Zones 3–9.
- Soil: Prefers loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend with compost to enhance fertility.
- Planting Time: Plant in the fall (4–6 weeks before the first hard frost) for larger bulbs, or in early spring for smaller yields.
- Spacing and Depth: Plant cloves 2 inches deep with the pointed end up, spacing them 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
- Water: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the bulbs mature and stop entirely 2–3 weeks before harvesting.
- Light: Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
Additional Tips
- Harvest when the leaves turn yellow and start to dry but before they completely wither.
- Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests. Avoid planting garlic in areas where other alliums have grown in the last 3 years.
This garlic variety is perfect for gardeners seeking a reliable, multipurpose crop with excellent storage potential and culinary flexibility
