A very complicated question Steve, especially the bit about 'the best to grow.' Softneck is, in my opinion easier to grow, hardneck is 'tastier' in Mediterranean cooking. Hardneck tends to have bigger cloves but softneck are stronger in flavour as well as hardiness. Depends what you are looking for really but if you are just starting growing I would suggest softneck unless you are Jamie Oliver in disguise in which case grow the ones that are better to your cooking style. Me, I just buy the cheapest bulbs at Morrisons, break them into cloves and plant them. Works for me.