Item Number: FP536
Metechi Garlic (lb)
Spicy, Late Maturing Purple Stripe Hardneck
Organic Metechi Garlic is a bold hardneck variety known for its large, marbled purple-striped bulbs and fiery, intense flavor. This heirloom garlic from the Republic of Georgia excels in cold climates, producing robust plants and consistently large bulbs with thick wrappers and vibrant clove skins. Its visual beauty and powerful taste make it a favorite among garlic enthusiasts.
Metechi thrives in cooler regions and performs best when fall-planted, maturing in mid to late summer. This variety is easy to grow, offering dependable yields and excellent storage potential. It produces 5–7 fat cloves per bulb, each wrapped in thick, purple-striped skins that are easy to peel. Whether you grow garlic for cooking or market sales, Metechi delivers impressive results.
Metechi garlic is prized for its intense flavor and strong garden performance. It stores better than most hardnecks and develops a mellow sweetness when roasted. Whether used raw for a spicy punch or cooked for depth, this variety offers a rich culinary experience. Its adaptability and beautiful appearance make it a standout in any garlic lineup.
- Marbled Purple Stripe Hardneck Garlic.
- Robust, hot garlic with a fiery bite and strong aroma.
- 5–7 large, easy-to-peel cloves per bulb.
- 2" or larger bulbs with thick wrappers and purple-striped interiors.
- Cold-hardy and ideal for fall planting in northern climates.
- Excellent storage for a hardneck variety—lasts several months.
- Performs well in fertile, well-drained soil; harvest in midsummer.
- Grown in Canada.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
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Flavor Profile: Metechi stands out for its strong, hot flavor with a sharp bite and spicy heat. The cloves pack a bold punch when raw and mellow slightly when roasted, making this variety a perfect choice for garlic lovers who enjoy intense culinary experiences. Ideal for sauces, marinades, and hearty meat dishes.
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Aroma Profile: When crushed or chopped, Metechi releases a potent, fiery aroma with earthy and spicy undertones. This variety is particularly aromatic in cooked dishes and delivers a long-lasting, savory fragrance to soups, stews, and roasted recipes.
Planting Time
It is typically planted in the fall for a summer harvest, allowing roots to establish before winter sets in. Fall planting encourages vigorous spring growth and ensures the development of large, flavorful bulbs.
Scaping
Hardneck garlic varieties like Metechi produce scapes—curly flower stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. Removing the scapes helps redirect energy into bulb development, increasing clove size. Harvest scapes when they form one or two full curls and use them in stir-fries, garlic pesto, or grilled recipes.
Read our blog about The Differences Between Hardneck vs Softneck Garlic to learn more.
Storage and Preservation
How to Store Fresh Garlic
Once harvested in early to midsummer, allow the green stalks to dry completely and turn papery brown to ensure proper curing. Hang bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. This process preserves the garlic’s intense flavor and aroma, making it suitable for long-term culinary use.
Preserving Garlic for Long-Term Use
After curing, Metechi stores well for several months. For extended preservation, harvest when foliage has browned and bulbs are fully mature. Proper curing helps retain the variety’s bold flavor and firmness, ensuring lasting kitchen performance well into winter.
Best Practices for Drying and Freezing
Freezing is an effective long-term storage method once the bulbs are fully cured. You can freeze whole bulbs, individual cloves (peeled or unpeeled), or minced garlic. Avoid freezing uncured bulbs, as moisture content can degrade texture and flavor. Cured Metechi retains its signature heat and aroma when stored correctly.
Why Order From Us?
We proudly offer premium hardneck garlic varieties like Metechi Garlic, grown by trusted farmers to ensure excellent germination and strong, flavorful yields. Sold by the pound, Metechi excels in fall plantings and thrives in northern gardens. Place your order today and explore our full selection of hardneck seed garlic varieties and softneck seed garlic varieties—ideal for creating a productive, flavorful home 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
- Bulb
- Container Compatible
- Easy to Peel Cloves
- Flavor Pick
- Good for Beginners
- 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.
