Garlic is the superfood that no cook can be without. Grow it at home and reap succulent, juicy, aromatic, flavorful cloves. This year, four proven-favorites are back, plus a new, robust and buttery, rocombole-type, Chrysalis Rose, sure to please.

Softneck or hardneck?

Softneck garlic grows in a variety of climates and does not require cold temperatures to grow, making it is perfect for regions with mild winters although it also grows well in areas with cold winters. They have smaller cloves that hardneck varieties, store longer, and are ideal for braiding.

Hardneck garlic has stronger, more complex flavors and they produce a tall edible flower stalk, called a "scape", in spring. Hardneck garlic varieties generally can be stored for 4 to 6 months. Hardneck garlic is not recommended for mild climates of the South where the winters aren't cold (a requirement for this type to bulb); however, pre-chilling bulbs helps to fulfill the cold requirements. Simply place the bulbs in a dark location at 40°F with a relative humidity of 80% for 40 to 45 days before planting.