Bogatyr Garlic (lb)

Bogatyr seed garlic originated in Moscow and reached wider grower networks through the Gatersleben seed bank in Germany before commercial release around 1989. Its name evokes the legendary strong warriors of Russian epic tradition, an apt match for its forceful raw heat. This Purple Stripe hardneck offers richly marbled cloves, edible scapes, cold-winter character, and bold kitchen presence.

Mix & match savings. This item is eligible for the Garlic Mix & Match discount. Combine eligible seed garlic and shallots to save 10% at 3 pounds, 15% at 10 pounds, or 20% at 30 pounds. The discount is applied automatically in the cart.

Bogatyr lives up to its warrior name with bold color and formidable raw heat. Open the pale bulbs to find 6–8 cloves marked in shades of brown, red, and purple, then taste carefully—this is garlic for cooks who enjoy real intensity. The scapes offer a gentler early harvest, and the Moscow-to-Gatersleben preservation story adds interest for collectors. Grow it as the fiery benchmark in a home garlic tasting.

This garlic is known for intense heat when raw. Use it sparingly in salsa, pesto, dressings, ferments, and other preparations where a powerful bite is welcome. Roasting and slow cooking soften the edge while leaving full-bodied garlic flavor for soups, stews, potatoes, meats, and spreads. Tender scapes offer a greener, gentler garlic note and can be grilled, sautéed, pickled, or blended.

When growing Bogatyr, give this Russian hardneck a sunny fall planting and the dependable cold it prefers. Keep the bed draining freely through winter, then provide steady moisture as vigorous spring growth begins. Harvest the curled scapes for a milder kitchen treat. Around mid-summer, wait for several lower leaves to brown before lifting the bulbs, then cure them in shade with enough air space to preserve their dramatic wrappers.

Variety Details

• Type: Purple Stripe hardneck garlic
• Flavor: Very hot and forceful raw; full-bodied when cooked
• Bulbs & Cloves: Typically 6–8 cloves per bulb; bulb size and count vary with growing conditions
• Appearance: Marbled white, brown, red, and purple clove skins
• Planting Time: Fall
• Approximate Harvest: Mid-summer; timing varies by climate and planting date
• Zones & Climate: Zones 3–9; a strong fit for cold-winter regions
• Storage: Cure thoroughly and keep cool, dry, and ventilated
• Something Special: A Moscow accession preserved through the Gatersleben seed bank

Compare Garlic Varieties

For planting and variety guidance, visit the Garlic Resource Center, use the Garlic Selector, or browse all Seed Garlic & Shallots. For a side-by-side look at flavor, type, harvest timing, and more, open the downloadable Fall 2026 Garlic Varieties Summary (PDF).