Hardneck garlic cultivated varieties should be planted in autumn, ideally from October to November, in a sunny, open position with free-draining soil.
Separate the bulb into individual cloves just before planting and space them 15-20cm (6-8in) apart in rows 30cm (12in) apart, setting each clove pointy end up at a depth of around 2.5-5cm (1-2in). Avoid overly rich soils and freshly manured ground, as this can encourage excess foliage at the expense of bulb size.
Keep weeds down during the growing season and water in dry spells, especially from late spring onwards when bulbs are forming. In early summer, hardneck types may produce a central flower stalk (scape), which should be removed as it appears to encourage better bulb development, although the scapes themselves are edible.
Harvest when the lower leaves begin to yellow and collapse, typically from late June to July. Lift carefully and allow the bulbs to dry thoroughly in a warm, airy spot before storing. Hardneck cultivated varieties tend to store until