Garden Mix Seed Garlic

Best for USDA Zones 6, 7 & 8

Quick Reference
Type: Hardneck & Softneck Mix | Best for Zones: 6–8 | Planting Season: Fall (Oct–Nov)
Varieties: Russian Red, Messidor & Castano | Portions: Equal by weight
Climate Notes: Ideal for mid-range zones where winters are cold enough for hardnecks but mild enough for softnecks to thrive
Ships As: Whole cured bulbs, sold by weight | Savings: 10% vs. purchasing varieties individually

The Garden Mix is designed for gardeners in USDA Zones 6, 7, and 8 who want the best of both worlds — one bold hardneck and two reliable softnecks, all proven performers in the mid-range zones where winters are cold enough for hardnecks but warm enough for softnecks to shine.

Save 10% compared to purchasing these varieties individually — the Garden Mix is the easiest way to try multiple varieties at once and discover your favorites.

This mix includes:

• Russian Red — Marbled Purple Stripe hardneck, large bulbs, tolerant of moisture, excellent all-around performer in Zones 6–8.
• Messidor — French white softneck, mild and balanced flavor, large uniform bulbs. Excellent storage and adaptability.
• Castano — Artichoke softneck, bold and savory flavor, reliable producer. Ideal for braiding and long-term storage.

Each mix contains equal portions of all three varieties by weight. A perfect starter mix for new garlic growers — or a great way for experienced gardeners to compare hardneck and softneck side by side.

Best Growing Zones
The Garden Mix is curated for USDA hardiness zones 6–8, where conditions support both hardneck and softneck varieties. Russian Red brings cold hardiness and bold flavor, while Messidor and Castano add mild-climate adaptability and exceptional storage — together, they cover the full range of Zone 6, 7, and 8 conditions beautifully. Gardeners across the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, South, and Pacific Northwest will find this mix a reliable, high-yielding combination. Plant in sunny, well-drained soil for best results.

Planting Instructions
Plant in fall between October and November depending on your zone. Separate bulbs into individual cloves just before planting. Plant 2 inches deep, pointed end up, spaced 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Mulch lightly in colder zones (6 and lower Zone 7). All three varieties are vigorous growers that produce healthy plants through spring and harvest in early summer. Castano's soft, pliable stalk makes it ideal for braiding at harvest.

Storage & Curing
After harvest, cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight for 3–4 weeks. Messidor and Castano are excellent long-term storers — expect 9–12 months when properly cured. Russian Red stores well for 6–8 months. Castano's soft stalk is 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.

Growing Resources
Find zone-specific planting advice and see how these varieties perform in your region:

• Garlic Planting Calendar by USDA Zone — find your zone and best planting window
• Garlic Planting Calendar by State — state-by-state variety recommendations
• Best Garlic for Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8

🎁 What's Included With Your Order
Every Garlic Gods order ships with our exclusive Commercial Garlic Prep & Soak Guide — proprietary pre-planting soak recipes, timing, and bio-stimulant protocols used by professional growers ($15 value, free with every order). You'll also receive complete planting & storage instructions so your garlic arrives ready to succeed.

Shipping Info
🧄 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. Learn more about our shipping.

📚 Garlic Growing Resources
🌱 New to growing garlic? Read our Complete Garlic Growing Guide for step-by-step instructions on planting, fertilizing, harvesting, curing, and storing garlic.

🧮 Not sure how much to order? Use our Garlic Seed Calculator to find the right amount for your garden or farm.