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Garlic is not only one of the longest crops to cultivate, outside of asparagus and fruit trees, but it also provides ample rewards for the effort put in. With a growth period that can stretch up to ten months for certain varieties, understanding its lifecycle is crucial for successful cultivation. Once you’ve harvested your first crop, garlic offers the unique advantage of permitting self-propagation — meaning you might never need to purchase another clove again.
Types of Garlic: Hard Neck vs. Soft Neck
Before diving deeper into the lifecycle, it’s essential to distinguish between the two primary types of garlic: hard neck and soft neck. Despite how they may appear at the grocery store, where the neck is often trimmed, these varieties have distinct differences.