Willowood Farm - Gourmet Seed Garlic
Grown naturally in the Pacific Northwest....
At Willowood Farm we take great pride in growing great garlic adapted to the mild, and wet, conditions of the Pacific Northwest. We have been growing gourmet garlic for 10+ years, each year rigorously selecting our seed stock for the best and the biggest bulbs adapted to Pacific Northwest conditions. We have built a strong and vigorous selection of our favorite garlic varieties and now offering limited amounts of seed size garlic (typically 2" diameter) by order. Ordering information is listed below.
Hardneck Seed Garlic
Hardneck Garlic aka Ophio Scordoscon
Hardneck garlic is considered the "connosiours garlic." Simply put, hardneck garlic is called "hardneck" garlic because they make a seed stalk (scape) that leaves a hard "stem" in the middle of the garlic. Hardnecks are not the type to braid - that darn neck makes it difficult!
But what they lack in braiding abilities they make up for in taste. The hardneck types comprise of the most complex, the most aromatic, the richest and most flavorful. They typically have numerous (between 6 and 12), large cloves that are easy to peel. They do not store as long as softneck garlic although some hardneck varieties store longer than others. Typically expect at least 6 months good storage viability on most hardneck varieties.
Softneck Seed Garlic
Softneck Garlic - aka ophio sativum
Softneck garlic is what most folks are familiar with as grocery store garlic. These are the types that are generally easy to grow, easy to harvest and easy to store. Once again, the name is descriptive - softneck garlic generally does not create a "seed stem" which means the neck of the garlic is soft, flexible and yes, can be braided! Their taste can be more what we consider "one note," or not as complex or rich as hardneck garlic. However, this can vary between strains and some are much better than others. In general, this is the garlic we grow for all-purpose cooking, for storage and for braiding garlic.