Purple Glazer Garlic (lb)

Purple Glazer seed garlic, also recorded as Mchadijvari No. 1, comes from the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus. It represents the Glazed Purple Stripe group, named for satin-smooth wrappers that look almost polished. Gardeners grow this hardneck for elongated cloves, striking violet color, edible scapes, and a rich flavor that balances warmth with sweetness rather than pure heat.

Purple Glazer is made for growers who love a beautiful harvest. Its smooth wrappers can look almost polished, with glossy purple striping that deepens as the bulb is opened. The 6–9 elongated cloves are easy to separate, and the warm, subtly sweet flavor is as appealing as the color. Add edible scapes and a Georgian heirloom story, and this becomes a natural centerpiece for gift baskets, market tables, or a tasting row.

The flavor is strong, rich, and lasting, with warmth and sweetness that become more evident after roasting. Use raw cloves in pesto, hummus, dressings, and salsa, or bake whole bulbs for a smooth spread. It also suits soups, stews, garlic butter, and roasted vegetables. The attractive cloves make a memorable tasting variety when compared beside hotter Marbled Purple Stripes or milder Porcelains.

When growing Purple Glazer, choose a sunny, cold-winter site and loose soil that will not cling to the delicate wrappers at harvest. Plant in fall, water evenly during active spring growth, and take the curled scapes while tender. Begin checking bulbs around mid-summer as lower leaves turn brown. Lift and brush them gently rather than scrubbing, then cure in a shaded, airy place to keep the satiny finish looking its best.

Variety Details

• Type: Glazed Purple Stripe hardneck garlic
• Flavor: Rich, warm, lasting, and subtly sweet
• Bulbs & Cloves: Typically 6–9 cloves per bulb; bulb size and count vary with growing conditions
• Appearance: Satin white wrappers opening to glossy violet and purple striping
• Planting Time: Fall
• Approximate Harvest: Mid-summer; timing varies by climate and planting date
• Zones & Climate: Zones 3–7; best with dependable winter chill
• Storage: Cure carefully to protect the delicate glazed wrappers
• Something Special: The Mchadijvari No. 1 heirloom that gave Glazed Purple Stripes their name

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).