Re: softnecks in the north, I grew New York White for the first time this year, but my friend has been growing it at her farm for several years now. The bulbs are as big as the other garlics and the cloves are about medium sized. So NY White is one that seems well adapted to a northern climate. I think it also goes by the name Polish White.
One nice thing about growing softneck is that it's ready to harvest earlier. I don't have a lot of space for curing so it was nice to stagger out the harvest of different types. Also loved having garlic to braid.
A very pleasing and space saving way to store them.