Russian Red Garlic (lb)

Russian Red seed garlic is a Rocambole hardneck associated with Russian immigrants who brought red-skinned garlic to the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s. Growers maintained it for cold-winter performance, colorful wrappers, curling scapes, and deep flavor. This conventional planting stock offers easy-peel cloves and a classic hardneck experience for gardeners in USDA zones 3–7.

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Russian Red brings warmth and color to a cold-climate garlic patch. Its 6–8 substantial cloves often wear burgundy or purple mottling, and their loose skins make them quick to prepare after harvest. The curled scapes are excellent for pesto or grilling, while the bulbs deliver the deep savory flavor Rocambole fans seek. It is a lively, history-rich variety for growers who would rather have memorable garlic than the longest possible storage.

The flavor is spicy, warm, and full, with a savory finish that remains noticeable after cooking. Use raw cloves in salsa, pesto, dressings, and ferments, or cook them into stews, roasted vegetables, meats, and tomato sauces. Substantial cloves are convenient for slicing and whole-clove roasting. Slow cooking softens the raw heat and reveals the rounded depth associated with Rocambole garlic.

When growing Russian Red, settle the cloves into a sunny fall bed with the winter chill and free drainage Rocamboles need. Water through spring while the foliage is active, taking care not to leave the roots in saturated ground. Pick scapes at the curl and begin watching lower leaves as mid-summer approaches. Once several have browned, lift the bulbs, cure them with excellent airflow, and plan meals that use them before long-season storage types.

Variety Details

• Type: Rocambole hardneck garlic
• Flavor: Spicy, warm, and deeply savory
• Bulbs & Cloves: Typically 6–8 cloves per bulb; bulb size and count vary with growing conditions
• Appearance: Burgundy to purple-mottled cloves beneath pale wrappers
• Planting Time: Fall
• Approximate Harvest: Mid-summer; timing varies by climate and planting date
• Zones & Climate: Recommended USDA zones 3–7; best with cold winters and good drainage
• Storage: Cure carefully and enjoy before longer-keeping softnecks
• Something Special: A Pacific Northwest immigrant heirloom with bold Rocambole character

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).