{"product_id":"castano","title":"Castano Softneck Seed Garlic","description":"\u003ch2\u003eQuick Reference\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Artichoke Softneck  |  \u003cstrong\u003eBest for Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–9  |  \u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fall (Sept–Dec)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold, pungent, and savory — intense aroma, excellent raw or roasted\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCloves per Bulb:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–18, multiple layers with distinctive chestnut-brown inner cloves  |  \u003cstrong\u003eBulb Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-large  |  \u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–10 months\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adaptable to a range of climates; soft pliable stalk ideal for braiding\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAbout Castano Garlic\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCastano is a garlic with personality — bold, beautiful, and unmistakably distinctive. Its name comes from the Spanish word for chestnut, a nod to the striking chestnut-brown color of its inner cloves that contrast beautifully against white and purple-tinged outer wrappers. This is a garlic that looks as good hanging in your kitchen as it tastes in your cooking. An Artichoke softneck with a soft, pliable stalk, Castano is one of the best braiding varieties we offer — functional, decorative, and delicious.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBold, pungent, and savory with an intense aroma that fills the kitchen the moment you start cooking. Castano delivers a powerful garlic presence — excellent raw in dressings and salsas, roasted into a rich, caramelized spread, or used to build deep, complex flavor in sauces, soups, and marinades. When a recipe calls for garlic, Castano delivers more than most. A true garlic lover's variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBest Growing Zones\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCastano thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5–9, making it a great choice for gardeners across the South, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Coast, and warmer Northern states. Its adaptability to a range of climates and its softneck nature make it a reliable performer where hardneck varieties may struggle. Gardeners in Tennessee, the Carolinas, Virginia, and the Pacific Northwest will find it an excellent fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in fall between September and December depending on your zone — softnecks offer more flexibility on planting timing than hardnecks. Separate bulbs into individual cloves just before planting, noting the beautiful chestnut-brown color of the inner cloves. Plant 2 inches deep, pointed end up, spaced 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Mulch lightly in colder zones. Castano produces vigorous, leafy plants through spring and harvests in early summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStorage \u0026amp; Curing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCastano stores for 8–10 months when properly cured — excellent storage life for a bold-flavored softneck. After harvest, cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight for 3–4 weeks. Its soft, pliable stalk makes it ideal for braiding — braid immediately after harvest before the stalks dry out. Store braided or loose in a cool, dry location with good airflow. Do not refrigerate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShipping Info\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e🧄 Pre-ordered garlic will begin shipping in September for fall planting. All orders placed after October 1st will ship within 5 business days. You'll receive a tracking email once your order ships. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/shipping-and-returns\"\u003eLearn more about our shipping.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Garlic Gods","offers":[{"title":"1\/4 lb","offer_id":51554379825469,"sku":null,"price":10.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1\/2 lb","offer_id":51554388836669,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 lb","offer_id":51554389328189,"sku":null,"price":26.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0977\/2361\/3501\/files\/Curing_garlic_bunch.jpg?v=1775403933","url":"https:\/\/garlicgods.com\/products\/castano","provider":"Garlic Gods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}