Southern Mix Seed Garlic

Best for USDA Zones 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10

Quick Reference
Type: Softneck Mix | Best for Zones: 6–10 | Planting Season: Fall (Oct–Dec)
Varieties: Castano, Garcua & Messidor | Portions: Equal by weight
Climate Notes: All three varieties are proven softneck performers in warmer southern climates with mild winters
Ships As: Whole cured bulbs, sold by weight | Savings: 10% vs. purchasing varieties individually

The Southern Mix brings together three of our best softneck varieties — each selected for performance in warmer southern climates. Perfect for gardeners in USDA Zones 6–10 who want longer storage life, milder flavors, and the flexibility that softnecks deliver.

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

This mix includes:

• Castano — Artichoke softneck, bold and savory flavor, reliable producer. Thrives in warmer zones and ideal for braiding and long-term storage.
• Garcua — A versatile softneck with excellent adaptability and consistent yields across a wide range of southern climates.
• Messidor — French white softneck, mild and balanced flavor, large uniform bulbs. Excellent storage and adaptability — a great all-purpose kitchen garlic.

Each mix contains equal portions of all three varieties by weight. Plant in fall, harvest in summer — and enjoy a full season of softneck flavor.

Best Growing Zones
The Southern Mix is curated for USDA hardiness zones 6–10, where softneck varieties truly shine. All three — Castano, Garcua, and Messidor — are proven performers in mild-winter climates, delivering reliable yields, excellent storage, and adaptability across the South, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Coast. Gardeners in zones where hardnecks struggle will find softnecks like these a dependable, high-yielding alternative. Plant in sunny, well-drained soil for best results.

Planting Instructions
Plant in fall between October and December depending on your zone — later windows apply to warmer Zone 9–10 gardens. 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 is optional in warmer zones but helps retain moisture. 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. All three varieties are excellent long-term storers — expect 9–12 months when properly cured. 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 | Zone 9 | Zone 10

🎁 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.