(pre-order) Bogatyr Garlic Bulbils
(pre-order) Bogatyr Garlic Bulbils
Allium Sativum
- Latin Name:
- Potential Plants ≈ 100
Key Attributes
- Strong spicy flavour with softer finish
- Hardy and cold-tolerant variety
- They are free from soil born diseases as they are a "false seed"
- Perennial (grows back each year if left in ground)
- Easy seed saving ✅
About Bogatyr Garlic Bulbils
Bogatyr Garlic is a striking hardneck variety known for its spicy kick with a milder finish. Perfect for roasting, cooking, or preserving. Its exceptional storage capability ensures a steady supply of garlic throughout the year.
Bulbils grow out of the umbel ("flower head"). Although not seeds in the true biological sense, bulbils are clones of the parent. They are like cloves from a garlic bulb. This allows you to grow multiple varieties of garlic close to each other without cross-pollination. It also means they are free of soil-borne pathogens since they don’t come into contact with soil.
Pair well with companion plants like carrots, beets, spinach, and chamomile, which can deter pests and improve soil health.
Where Can You Grow Bogatyr Garlic Bulbils
Bogatyr garlic thrives in cold climates and is well-suited for Zones 2-9. Plant bulbils in raised beds, well-draining soil, or garden rows in full sun. Mulching is recommended to protect young plants and maintain moisture.
History and Historical Uses
Bogatyr Garlic is an heirloom variety with roots in Eastern Europe (The west didn't know it until the collapse of the Soviet Union!). Traditionally used in hearty dishes and natural remedies, Bogatyr garlic has long been celebrated for its health benefits and culinary versatility. Introduced to Canada in the 20th century, it has become a staple for home gardeners seeking reliable, flavourful garlic that performs well in cold climates.
Canadian Zone Information
- Zones 8-9: Plant bulbils in late autumn (October to November), 1 month before the first freeze. Garlic will sprout in early spring, maturing by mid to late summer.
- Zones 5-7: Plant bulbils in October or before the first freeze. Harvest in late July or August the following year.
- Zones 2-4: Plant before the first freeze.Mulch heavily after planting in autumn to protect bulbils from harsh winters. Harvest from late July to early August.
Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
To save bulbils from Bogatyr garlic, follow these steps:
- Choose the Best Scapes: Allow some flower stalks (scapes) to develop fully until the bulbils mature.
- Harvest the Bulbils: When scapes dry and the bulbils loosen slightly, cut the scapes and collect the bulbils.
- Clean and Dry: Remove any debris and spread the bulbils on a clean towel or screen to dry for 2-3 weeks in a cool, airy space.
- Store: Store bulbils in a cool, dry location in paper bags or mesh containers. Properly stored bulbils can remain viable for several years.
How to grow from bulbils?
- Give yourself at least 2 years to get full-sized bulbs. Depending on the variety and on the growing conditions, it could take up to 4 years.
- Several methods can be used from pots, trays, beds, open field or greenhouse. All will produce garlic bulbs as long as the bulbils are harvested, sorted, stored, go through vernalization ("cold weather" <5°C for flowering), and re-planted. But not in the same soil twice. This is to prevent disease.
- Prepare the soil for planting by ensuring your soil is suitable for growing garlic – get your soil tested, add the needed amendments and nutrients (garlic are heavy feeders), build raised beds for good drainage (garlic doesn’t like having wet feet).
- In the fall, a month or so before the first freeze, plant bulbils in rows about 1” deep. Sprinkle the bulbils into the row half an inch to an inch apart, depending on the bulbil size (smaller bulbils = tighter spacing while bigger bulbils get more space).
- Cover with mulch before it frosts or snows. Mulch can consist of grass clippings, finely shredded wood, straw, We use all three depending on availability and who last cut the grass.
- The bulbil leaves will sprout in the spring and will look like blades of grass. Thanks to your efforts in keeping the rows straight when you sowed the bulbils, you’ll be able to distinguish between bulbils and what isn’t bulbils. Weed accordingly.
- Keep soil moist through the growing period (bulbils are planted shallow and have small root systems so prone to drying out) and harvest at about the same time as garlic (mid-July) when the leaves turn brown and dry out.
- Select the biggest and best bulbils for storage (mesh or paper bag but not plastic) over the summer in a cool, ventilated area until ready to plant in the fall. Vernalize in the fridge or freezer for a week or two. Hardneck garlic grows better with a cold boost. Plant bulbils with 4” – 6” spacing in a new location on a well-amended raised bed. This time, plant them with the tip up and roots down 2” to 3” deep. Mulch 1” to 3” deep.
Certified Organic By
- We ship Wednesdays !
Guaranteed same day shipping on any orders received before 11am PST on Wednesdays!
- For the Discerning Gardener:
Our small-batch, organic craft seeds are grown traditionally on a non-mechanized family farm. Processed by hand, they are of the highest quality.
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