The Texas Garlic Growing Guide
Garlic is a crop every Texas gardener should try. It’s easy to grow, takes little space, and rewards you with bulbs that taste fresher and more flavorful than anything at the grocery store. Success, however, depends on planting the right type of garlic.
In cooler northern climates, hardneck garlic dominates. But in Texas, softneck garlic varieties are the proven winners. They handle our mild winters, store longer, and consistently produce bigger, healthier bulbs.
This guide will walk you through the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic, highlight the best varieties for Texas—Late Italian Purple, Silver Rose, and Nootka Rose—and provide tips for planting, harvesting, and troubleshooting in our unique climate.
Hardneck vs. Softneck Garlic
- Hardneck Garlic
- Produces a stiff flower stalk (scape).
- Typically has 4–12 large cloves.
- Prefers long, cold winters.
- Struggles in Texas heat and rarely makes full-sized bulbs.
- Softneck Garlic
- Flexible stems, no true scape.
- Produces more cloves per bulb (10–20).
- Thrives in warmer climates.
- Stores longer—6 to 12 months or more.
The Best Garlic Varieties for Houston
🌱 Late Italian Purple
- Type: Softneck
- Flavor: Bold, Robust, and distinctly garlicky
- Bulb Appearance: Large bulbs, with striking purple streaks on the wrappers
- Maturity: Late Season
✅ Why it works in Texas: This variety matures later than many softnecks, giving it time to bulk up before harvest. It’s well suited to Houston’s long, mild winters and can handle variable soil types. The bulbs are generous in size, making it a favorite for both kitchen use and market growers.
Best For: Gardeners who want large, flavorful bulbs with strong character.
🌱 Silver Rose
- Type: Softneck
- Flavor: Mild, smooth, slightly sweet.
- Bulb Appearance: Silvery-white wrappers with pink undertones.
- Maturity: Late season.
- Storage: Excellent—up to 9–12 months.
✅ Why it works in Texas: Handles warmth beautifully and has outstanding storage life. Perfect if you want garlic that lasts nearly until next year’s harvest.
Best For: Home cooks who use garlic frequently and want bulbs that keep for months.
🌱 Nootka Rose
- Type: Softneck (Silverskin)
- Flavor: Rich, complex, with more bite than Silver Rose.
- Bulb Appearance: White skins with rosy-pink cloves inside.
- Maturity: Mid to late season.
- Storage: Very good, 6–9 months.
✅ Why it works in Texas: Though from the Pacific Northwest, it adapts well here. Produces reliably with a distinct flavor that sets it apart.
Best For: Gardeners who want a balance of good storage and bold, unique taste.
How to Grow
- When to Plant: Mid-October to early November in most of Texas. Plant earlier in North Texas and closer to November in South Texas.
- Site Selection: Full sun, with at least 6–8 hours daily. Garlic hates shade.
- Soil Prep: Loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Raised beds are ideal for heavy clay soils.
- Planting:
- Break bulbs into individual cloves (don’t peel them).
- Plant cloves 2–3 inches deep, pointy side up.
- Space 4–6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy through fall and spring. Cut back water once tops start to yellow in May.
- Fertilizing: Garlic is a heavy feeder. Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or fish emulsion) in early spring to encourage growth.
- Harvest: When about half the leaves turn brown (usually late May or early June).
- Curing: Dry bulbs in a shaded, airy place for 2–3 weeks before trimming stems and storing.
Troubleshooting
- Small Bulbs? Usually caused by planting too late, compact soil, or lack of fertilizer in spring. Plant in fall, loosen soil, and feed with nitrogen early.
- Bulbs Rotting? Poor drainage is the culprit. Always grow garlic in raised beds or sandy/loamy soil.
- Garlic Bolting (flower stalks)? More common in stress conditions. Cut off any stalks so the plant puts energy into the bulb.
- Heat Stress in Spring? Mulch beds with straw or leaves to keep soil cooler and conserve moisture.
Final Thoughts
Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops for Texas gardeners. The trick is choosing varieties that thrive here. While hardnecks dominate in northern states, softneck garlic is the proven champion in Texas.
By planting varieties like Early Italian Purple, Silver Rose, and Nootka Rose, you’ll enjoy:
- Reliable growth and harvests.
- A range of flavors from bold to mild.
- Storage life that keeps garlic in your kitchen long after harvest.
Plant in the fall, harvest in early summer, and you’ll never want to buy supermarket garlic again.