Heirloom

Inchelium Red Softneck Garlic

Allium sativum var. sativum 'Inchelium Red'

An award-winning heirloom softneck garlic from Washington state that's perfect for beginners and delivers exceptional flavor. These large, plump bulbs store for up to 10 months and offer a rich, full-bodied garlic taste that's not overpowering. The most reliable garlic variety for gardeners in warmer climates where hardnecks struggle.

Harvest

240-270d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

4–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-18 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Inchelium Red Softneck Garlic in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 allium →

Zone Map

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Inchelium Red Softneck Garlic · Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile loamy soil with good organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, stop watering 2 weeks before harvest

SeasonFall planted for summer harvest

FlavorRich, full-bodied garlic flavor that's robust but not harsh

ColorWhite bulbs with pink to red clove skins

Size2-3 inches diameter, 12-20 cloves per bulb

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	December – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	December – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	December – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	December – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	December – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	November – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	October – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	October – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Capsule on top of the flowering stalk. Splits open when ripe.

Color: Cream/Tan. Type: Capsule.

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Storage & Preservation

Cure freshly harvested bulbs in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks until the outer skins are papery and the necks are completely dry. Once cured, trim roots and cut stems to 1 inch above the bulb. Store in mesh bags or braids in a cool, dry location with good air circulation — ideal conditions are 60-65°F with 50-60% humidity. Properly cured Inchelium Red stores exceptionally well for 8-10 months. For preservation, roast whole cloves and freeze in ice cube trays with oil, dehydrate slices for homemade garlic powder, or ferment in honey for a gourmet condiment. Avoid refrigerating whole bulbs as this triggers sprouting.

History & Origin

Origin: Asia and Iran

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer

Considerations

-Toxic: Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and hornworms that commonly attack tomatoes

Roses

Garlic deters aphids, Japanese beetles, and may reduce black spot disease

Carrots

Garlic repels carrot flies while carrots help break up soil for garlic bulb development

Cabbage

Garlic deters cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles from brassicas

Lettuce

Garlic repels aphids and slugs while lettuce provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Peppers

Garlic helps repel aphids and spider mites that commonly damage pepper plants

Spinach

Garlic deters aphids and leaf miners while spinach matures before garlic needs full space

Strawberries

Garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and may deter slugs from strawberry plants

Keep Apart

Beans

Garlic can inhibit nitrogen fixation by bean root bacteria and stunt bean growth

Peas

Garlic compounds can interfere with pea germination and root development

Asparagus

Garlic's sulfur compounds may inhibit asparagus spear development and overall growth

Nutrition Facts

Calories

143kcal(7%)

Protein

6.62g(13%)

Fiber

2.7g(10%)

Carbs

28.2g(10%)

Fat

0.38g(0%)

Vitamin C

10mg(11%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #1104647)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to white rot and fusarium basal rot

Common Pests

Onion thrips, bulb mites, nematodes

Diseases

White rot, fusarium basal rot, rust, purple blotch

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Inchelium Red softneck garlic take to grow?▼

Inchelium Red requires 240-270 days from planting to harvest, typically planted in fall (October-November) and harvested in mid to late July. This 8-9 month growing period allows the bulbs to develop their full size and complex flavor profile that makes this variety so prized among gardeners.

Can you grow Inchelium Red garlic in containers?▼

Yes, Inchelium Red grows well in containers at least 12 inches deep and 8 inches wide per bulb. Use well-draining potting mix and ensure containers don't freeze solid in winter. Container growing actually improves drainage, which this variety appreciates, though you'll need to water and fertilize more frequently than in-ground plants.

Is Inchelium Red garlic good for beginners?▼

Inchelium Red is excellent for beginners, especially in zones 7-10 where hardneck varieties struggle. It's forgiving of minor mistakes, has good disease resistance, and stores well even with less-than-perfect curing. The large cloves are easy to plant and handle, making it ideal for first-time garlic growers.

What does Inchelium Red garlic taste like?▼

Inchelium Red offers a rich, full-bodied garlic flavor that's complex and robust without being harsh or overpowering. It has a warming heat that builds gradually and a subtle sweetness when roasted. The flavor is more sophisticated than typical grocery store garlic, making it exceptional for both raw and cooked applications.

When should I plant Inchelium Red garlic?▼

Plant Inchelium Red 4-6 weeks before your first hard frost — typically October in zones 6-8 and November in zones 9-10. The cloves need cold winter temperatures (below 50°F) for several months to trigger bulb formation, but shouldn't be planted so early that they exhaust energy reserves before winter dormancy.

Inchelium Red vs California Early — what's the difference?▼

Inchelium Red produces larger bulbs with better storage life (8-10 months vs 6-8 months) and more complex flavor than California Early. However, California Early matures 2-3 weeks earlier and tolerates heat better. Inchelium Red is the better choice for long-term storage and culinary quality, while California Early suits very hot climates or early harvest needs.