Item Number: FP538
Bogatyr Garlic (lb)
Purple Stripe Hardneck That Packs a Punch
- Bogatyr is one of the spiciest varieties around
- Better have your fire extinguisher ready -- if you like hot garlic, you'll love this one's slow start and building heat
- Stores well for a hardneck garlic
- Averages 6-8 cloves per bulb
- 2" and larger diameter bulbs
- Purple striped garlic
- Approximately 5-6 bulbs per pound
- Grown in Canada
Discovering the Bold and Hardy Bogatyr Garlic
Bogatyr garlic is an impressive hardneck variety known for its large cloves, robust flavor, and exceptional cold hardiness. Originating from Eastern Europe, this garlic type has gained popularity among gardeners and chefs alike for its reliable growth and powerful taste. Its name, which means "hero" or "warrior" in Russian, aptly reflects its strong and resilient nature.
Characteristics of Bogatyr Garlic
It is easily distinguished by its sizable bulbs, which typically contain 4-6 large cloves. The cloves are encased in thick, white skins with a hint of purple streaking, adding to their visual appeal. Each bulb is robust and hefty, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their garlic yield.
One of the most notable features of it is its intense, spicy flavor. This variety offers a hot and pungent taste that is ideal for those who enjoy a strong garlic presence in their dishes. The bold flavor of Bogatyr garlic makes it a favorite for culinary applications that require a pronounced garlic essence, such as marinades, sauces, and roasted dishes.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: It is celebrated for its intense, fiery flavor with a robust heat that mellows slightly when cooked. As a Purple Stripe hardneck variety, it delivers a rich, garlicky punch that lingers pleasantly on the palate. When roasted, its boldness transforms into a deep, savory sweetness, making it a versatile choice for dishes requiring a strong garlic presence—from hearty stews to garlic-forward dressings.
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Aroma Profile: This variety releases a potent, spicy aroma when crushed, with earthy undertones that grow stronger as it cooks. Its aromatic intensity makes it ideal for use in assertive recipes like aiolis, spice blends, and grilled meats, where its fragrance can truly shine and elevate the overall dish.
Growing Bogatyr Garlic
Growing this garlic is a rewarding experience, especially for gardeners in colder climates. Here are some essential tips for successfully cultivating this hardy variety:
- Soil Preparation: It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance its nutrient content. The ideal pH for garlic is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Spacing and Depth: Plant the cloves 6-8 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Place each clove with the pointed end up and cover it with about 2 inches of soil. Proper spacing is crucial to allow the bulbs to develop fully without competition for nutrients and space.
- Mulching: Apply a generous layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Mulching also provides protection during the winter months and helps maintain soil temperature and moisture levels.
- Watering: Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s crucial to maintain a balance.
- Fertilization: Feed the garlic with a balanced fertilizer or organic amendments in the early stages of growth. Additional side dressing with compost or a high-nitrogen fertilizer can promote healthy foliage and bulb development.
Harvesting
It is typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer, depending on the planting time and growing conditions. Harvest when the lower leaves start to brown and dry, leaving a few green leaves at the top. Carefully lift the bulbs from the soil and allow them to cure in a shaded, well-ventilated area for about two weeks. Proper curing enhances the garlic's storage life and flavor.
Culinary Uses
The intense, spicy flavor of it makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its cloves can be used raw in strong-flavored salads, dressings, and salsas, or cooked in a variety of dishes, including roasts, soups, and sauces. This garlic variety also roasts beautifully, developing a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances a wide range of culinary creations.
It is a highly valued garlic variety that offers numerous benefits to gardeners and cooks alike. Its bold flavor, vigorous growth, and excellent cold hardiness make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to cultivate garlic. By following proper planting, growing Bogatyr garlic, and harvesting techniques, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this flavorful and resilient garlic variety year after year.
Planting Time
It is typically planted in the fall for a summer harvest, similar to other hardneck garlic varieties. Planting in the fall allows the cloves to establish roots before winter sets in, leading to healthier plants and larger bulbs.
Scaping
Hardneck garlic varieties like this garlic produce scapes, curly flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. While the scapes are edible and delicious, their removal redirects energy to bulb development, resulting in larger cloves. Harvest scapes when they curl once or twice and use them in culinary dishes like pesto or stir-fries.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
After harvesting in early spring, allow the green leaves of Bogatyr Garlic to dry and turn brown, ensuring the bulbs are thoroughly cured. Hang the hardneck bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space to preserve their bold flavor and nutritional content. It is known for its spicy, full-bodied profile and can be stored for several months, making it excellent for both roasting and enjoying raw in your favorite recipes.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
To extend the usability of this garlic, harvest when the plant’s foliage turns brown and the bulbs reach full maturity in early spring. Cure them by hanging in a dry, airy location to lock in their strong flavor and valuable nutrients. Celebrated for its fiery, complex taste, it is ideal for raw applications, roasting, or mixing into savory sauces, maintaining its quality for many months.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Freezing garlic after it's been cured is a great way to keep it fresh and flavorful for a longer time. You can freeze it as whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or unpeeled), or minced—whatever works best for how you plan to use it. While it's possible to freeze freshly harvested garlic that hasn't been cured, it's not usually recommended. The higher moisture can make it mushy after thawing, and the flavor might not be as strong.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like Bogatyr Garlic, carefully cultivated by experienced growers to ensure excellent germination and vigorous growth. Sold by the pound, this variety thrives in fall planting seasons and performs exceptionally well in colder climates, making it an excellent choice for northern growers. Place your order today to browse our selection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties—ideal for cultivating a flavorful and productive garden.
For more information, see our Garlic Resource Center and try out our Garlic Selector Tool to find the perfect garlic for your growing zone and tastes. Or check out all of our Garlic Learning Blogs where our staff have selected dozens of articles, videos, recipes and tips to help you learn how to successfully grow garlic bulbs.
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Our Guarantee To You
Since 1976, we've served our customers at every stage of growing. Please contact us at any time. We are happy to support and assist you.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
We cannot delay ship garlic/shallots. They will be shipped as soon as they are in stock.
Cannot ship to the following states: HI, ID, PR, GU, VI
Shipping Weight: 1.1 lb
Dimensions: 5.0"L x 3.0"W x 3.0"H
Features
Features
- Hardneck
- Spicy Flavor
Characteristics
Characteristics
Use Instructions
Use Instructions
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Limited Seed Garlic Guarantee (When Planted by November 15th)
Claim Deadline is 45 Days from Purchase or Delivery. (Claims placed after December 31st will be denied.)
What We Guarantee
Our only guarantee is that the seed garlic we sell will germinate, provided you follow the steps listed in our Garlic Planting & Growing Guide. This guarantee is only available to customers who purchase their seed garlic directly from us.
What We Cannot Guarantee
We cannot guarantee that your garlic will remain alive & healthy, or sizes up properly, as there are too many variables beyond our control to be able to do so (i.e. soil preparation, fertilization, weed and pest control, temperature control, irrigation, etc).
How to Request a Credit
If you encounter a significant lack of germination of your garlic (over 50%), please contact us within 45 days of delivery. If we determine that your garlic had a significant lack of germination, we will issue you a credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of your garlic (excluding shipping).* This 45-day time frame is meant to allow you up to 2 weeks to plant your garlic, and up to 4 weeks to check for signs of growth.
(*) We reserve the right to not issue credit for items already replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence of the lack of germination of your garlic.
