Metechi Garlic (lb)

Description

Metechi seed garlic is a Purple Stripe-family hardneck associated with the Republic of Georgia and the Caucasus garlic diversity that reached North American collectors in the late twentieth century. Its name echoes Metekhi, a historic district of Tbilisi, though seed histories vary. Gardeners value Metechi for substantial cloves, strong plants, colorful inner wrappers, edible scapes, and fiery raw flavor.
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.
Metechi offers a satisfying reveal at harvest: creamy outer papers open to deeper purple streaking around 5–7 large cloves. The strong plants and fiery raw flavor make it a standout for growers who enjoy bold Caucasus-connected garlics, while tender scapes arrive as a greener, milder preview. With fewer substantial cloves to handle, planting and kitchen prep stay easy. It is a striking choice for spicy cooking and labeled market displays.
Raw Metechi can be very hot, so it stands out in salsa, pesto, dressings, ferments, and spicy condiments. Cooking tempers that sharpness while preserving a strong, savory garlic finish for stews, roasted vegetables, meats, beans, and sauces. Large cloves are easy to peel and useful for whole-clove roasting. Harvested young, the scapes offer a greener and less intense garlic flavor.
When growing Metechi, plant the cloves in a sunny fall bed that will receive winter chill without staying wet. Feed the strong spring growth with consistent moisture and keep the row clear of weeds. Pick the scapes young for cooking, then allow the bulbs to finish until several lower leaves brown around mid-summer. Dig carefully so the inner color stays protected, and cure the harvest away from direct sun with plenty of circulation.
Variety

Details

Type: Purple Stripe-family hardneck garlic

Flavor: Fiery and intense raw; strong and savory when cooked

Bulbs & Cloves: Typically 5–7 cloves per bulb; bulb size and count vary with growing conditions

Appearance: White outer wrappers revealing progressively deeper purple markings

Planting Time: Fall

Approximate Harvest: Mid-summer; timing varies by climate and planting date

Zones & Climate: Zones 3–9; winter chill supports hardneck development

Storage: Cure fully and store cool, dry, and ventilated

Something Special: A bold Caucasus-connected garlic whose color deepens as the bulb is opened

Compare Garlic VarietiesFor 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).