Planting garlic in September is like setting a delicious time bomb for your summer garden! I know, it might seem a bit early to be thinking about your next harvest, but trust me—September is the perfect time to get those garlic cloves in the ground. Garlic needs a period of cold weather to trigger bulb formation, so by planting in the fall, you’re giving it exactly what it needs to develop into big, beautiful heads by summer. Plus, there’s nothing quite like harvesting your own garlic and enjoying its rich, robust flavor in your cooking all year round!
When it comes to choosing which types of garlic to plant, it can feel overwhelming with so many varieties out there. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Each type of garlic brings its unique flavor, growth habit, and hardiness to the table. Some thrive in colder climates, while others prefer milder winters. Let’s explore some of the best garlic varieties to plant this September so you can enjoy a bountiful summer harvest!
Music Garlic: The Flavorful Favorite
Music garlic is one of the most popular varieties among gardeners, and for good reason! This hardneck variety, originally from Italy, produces large, easy-to-peel cloves with a rich, spicy flavor that mellows beautifully when cooked. If you’re looking for a garlic that’s reliable and produces consistently large bulbs, Music is a fantastic choice. It’s also quite cold-hardy, making it ideal for northern climates where winters can be harsh. I’ve grown Music garlic in my own garden for years, and it never disappoints!
One of the great things about Music garlic is its versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re roasting it whole or mincing it for a fresh pesto, it’s a culinary powerhouse. And because it’s a hardneck variety, it also produces garlic scapes in the spring—those delicious, curly green shoots that taste like a cross between garlic and green onions. Scapes are wonderful for adding a mild garlic flavor to salads, stir-fries, and soups, and harvesting them helps direct more energy into bulb growth. It’s a win-win situation!
Chesnok Red: The Gourmet’s Choice
Chesnok Red is another exceptional hardneck garlic variety that deserves a place in your garden this fall. This variety hails from the Republic of Georgia and is celebrated for its vibrant purple stripes and excellent flavor, especially when roasted. Chesnok Red retains its sweetness and robust flavor even after cooking, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. It’s a medium-sized garlic with a strong, full-bodied flavor that stands up well in any dish.
Beyond its culinary qualities, Chesnok Red is also incredibly easy to grow. It’s well-suited to a range of climates, including areas with colder winters. Its hardy nature means it can handle a little neglect—perfect for those of us who don’t always have time to fuss over our gardens. Plus, like other hardneck varieties, it produces scapes in the spring, which are a delicious bonus crop! I find it so rewarding to grow a garlic variety that is not only beautiful but also packed with flavor.
Inchelium Red: The Heirloom Treasure
If you’re looking for a softneck variety with a storied history, Inchelium Red is the one to plant. This heirloom garlic, native to the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington state, has been around for generations and is one of the few softneck types that can handle cold winters. Inchelium Red produces large, slightly flattened bulbs with a mild, slightly spicy flavor that’s perfect for both raw and cooked dishes. I love using it for garlic bread or salad dressings where its mellow flavor really shines.
One of the standout features of Inchelium Red is its excellent storage capabilities. Unlike some hardneck varieties that need to be used relatively quickly, this softneck type can last for months when stored properly, allowing you to enjoy your homegrown garlic well into the winter. Plus, since it’s a softneck variety, it doesn’t produce scapes, which means all the plant’s energy goes directly into growing larger bulbs. If you want a garlic that offers both flavor and longevity, Inchelium Red is a great pick.
Spanish Roja: The Old-World Classic
Spanish Roja is a garlic variety with a long history, and it’s known for its strong, classic garlic flavor. This hardneck variety, originally from Spain but now widely grown in North America, produces medium-sized bulbs with reddish-purple skins and large, easy-to-peel cloves. If you’re a fan of bold, spicy garlic, Spanish Roja is the variety for you. I love its strong, pungent flavor that mellows and sweetens beautifully when roasted or sautéed.
Spanish Roja is particularly well-suited to cooler climates and requires a period of cold weather to develop properly, so it’s perfect for planting in September. It also produces garlic scapes, which are a delightful addition to any dish. The scapes can be harvested in early summer, and they’re perfect for making garlic scape pesto or adding a bit of garlicky goodness to your salads. This variety is not invasive, so you can plant it with confidence that it won’t take over your garden beds. Spanish Roja is a true classic that brings both flavor and character to the garden!
Siberian Garlic: The Cold-Climate Champion
Siberian garlic is another fantastic choice if you live in a colder region. As its name suggests, this hardneck variety hails from Siberia and is bred to withstand extremely cold temperatures, making it a great option for northern gardeners. I’ve found that Siberian garlic is incredibly reliable, even in the most challenging weather conditions. It produces large bulbs with a beautiful purple hue and has a rich, robust flavor that’s perfect for cooking.
In addition to being cold-hardy, Siberian garlic is also known for its high allicin content, the compound responsible for garlic’s health benefits. This makes it a great choice for those looking to boost their immune systems with homegrown produce. And like other hardneck varieties, it produces tasty garlic scapes that can be harvested in late spring. It’s such a versatile, hardy plant, and I’ve always had great success growing it in my own garden.
California Early: The Dependable Softneck
For gardeners in milder climates, California Early is a tried-and-true softneck variety that’s known for its reliability and productivity. As the name suggests, this variety is typically one of the first to mature, which means you’ll be enjoying your homegrown garlic earlier in the season. I’ve found California Early to be incredibly easy to grow, and it produces large bulbs with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s perfect for a wide range of dishes.
California Early is also a great choice if you’re looking for a garlic that stores well. Softneck varieties like this one can last for months if kept in a cool, dry place, allowing you to enjoy your harvest all year long. It doesn’t produce scapes, so all the plant’s energy goes directly into growing larger bulbs. And because it’s not invasive, you can plant it without worrying about it taking over your garden. It’s a dependable, versatile choice that’s perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike!
German Extra Hardy: The Resilient Giant
German Extra Hardy is a hardneck variety that’s well-known for its large bulbs and excellent flavor. Native to Northern Europe, this garlic is especially suited for cold climates and can withstand harsh winters without a problem. I love how this garlic produces big, beautiful bulbs with large, easy-to-peel cloves that are perfect for any recipe that calls for a bold garlic flavor.
What sets German Extra Hardy apart is its resilience—it’s highly disease-resistant and can thrive in a wide range of soil conditions. It also produces lovely garlic scapes that you can harvest in late spring, providing an extra crop to enjoy. The scapes are fantastic in stir-fries, soups, and salads, adding a mild garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness. And don’t worry, this garlic isn’t invasive; it will stay where you plant it, making it a great addition to any garden!
Silver Rose: The Softneck Stunner
Silver Rose is a softneck garlic variety that’s perfect for warmer climates. It’s known for its lovely rose-colored skins and its mild, sweet flavor that’s ideal for raw dishes like salads and salsas. I’ve found that Silver Rose is incredibly productive and stores exceptionally well, often lasting up to a year when kept in the right conditions. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a garlic that will give you plenty of bulbs to enjoy long after the harvest is over.
One of the reasons I love Silver Rose is its adaptability. While it thrives in warmer climates, it’s also quite drought-tolerant, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners dealing with water restrictions. And because it’s a softneck variety, it doesn’t produce scapes, so all the plant’s energy is focused on growing larger, more flavorful bulbs. It’s a beautiful, productive garlic that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their garden.
Killarney Red: The Bold and Beautiful
Killarney Red is a striking hardneck variety that produces medium to large bulbs with a deep red-purple skin. This garlic, originally from Ireland, has a bold, spicy flavor that holds up well in cooking, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. I love how Killarney Red brings both color and flavor to the garden—its deep red skins add a unique visual element to your harvest!
This variety is also incredibly hardy and well-suited to colder climates. It produces beautiful garlic scapes in the spring, which are perfect for adding a mild garlic flavor to your dishes. And don’t worry, Killarney Red is not invasive; it stays well-behaved in the garden, allowing you to enjoy its bold, beautiful bulbs without any worry. It’s a wonderful choice for anyone looking to add a touch of drama and flavor to their garlic patch.
By planting these garlic varieties in September, you’re setting yourself up for a flavorful and bountiful summer harvest. Each type of garlic offers its unique qualities, from robust flavors to hardy growth habits, ensuring there’s something for every gardener.
