I have several named varieties I could trade if you don't get a good mix from others. I'm busy for the next week, but I'll check back when things slow down and see if you are still looking to trade.

About the Creoles, those I planted here in Minneapolis, did not do well either of the past two years. I had some few that failed to sprout in the spring, although most came up, but the bulbs resulting from those that did come up were a disappointment, which is about what most reports have been saying for those of us in the north. My hardnecks have been doing very well with an effective 100% survival in the slightly raised beds I use, and decent bulb size with what I consider to be minimal care. I am giving up on the Creoles. Softnecks have done better for me than the Creoles, but they do not quite measure up to the hardnecks either. I am thinking of adding one more, probably a very early Asiatic, if I can find one that appeals to me, otherwise I will probably be sticking with about Japanese and four other hardnecks (Music, Siberian, Viet Namese Red, and Aunt Frieda's heirloom).

Thanks for the offer naturgirl, I'm looking forward to speaking with you.

And OldDutch, I've heard a lot about creoles not doing well up north, which is too bad because they sure sound like the would be fun to grow...why do you suppose they just won't work?

Best guess is different vernalization requirements, meaning they are more southerly adapted. It may be something as weird as inability to handle late frosts or cold snaps once growth has started in the spring.

It could any number of things from wrong daylengths, to too many cold days (for some plants such as many tree fruits it is the number of chill days that determines both fruit set and the limits of hardiness - others such as sweet potatoes it is the total heat during the growing season that determines how well they do), too much absolute cold during dormancy, etc. They seem to be hardy enough to grow if planted in the fall for the most part, but something just isn't right with the growing season resulting in much smaller bulbs in the north country. Conversely many of our hardnecks do fine up here but are difficult to impossible in the deep south and into Mexico.

I seem to remember reading that some of the Creoles may eventually adapt to northern conditions, but like for other garlics that go through dramatic moves, the process may take years and seemingly is never completely successful for the Creoles, and some of the softnecks are close to as fussy.

I would suggest to try and grow Creoles in tunnels to get earlier heat on the emerging plants. I would also run soaker hoses inside the tunnels to provide abundant moisture. IOW push the plants from initial emergence to final dry down toward harvest by trying to imitate a more southern set of conditions, and don't forget to side dress a few times. That is too much effort for me so personally I will pass. I like my hardnecks and they do everything I need garlic to do for me.

The Creoles were originally from Spain. It is just a totally different climate. You could make it work, but why going through the process? There are so many groups and varieties better suited to your climate.