Pricing is per pound of seed garlic.

Overview

Chesnok Red is widely regarded as one of the finest culinary garlic varieties available. This Purple Stripe hardneck garlic produces beautiful purple-striped bulbs with large, easy-to-peel cloves and a rich, full-bodied flavor that becomes exceptionally sweet and creamy when roasted. Unlike many garlics that lose intensity during cooking, Chesnok Red retains its robust garlic flavor, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. It is also cold hardy, dependable, and well-suited for growing throughout much of the United States.

Characteristics

• Type: Hardneck, Purple Stripe variety
• Flavor: Rich, complex, and robust with exceptional roasted flavor
• Size: Medium to large bulbs with 8–12 large cloves each
• Color: White wrappers with striking purple stripes and rich purple clove skins
• Storage Time: Approximately 4–6 months

Growing Tips

Planting: Plant in fall about 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes. Separate bulbs into individual cloves and plant each clove 2–3 inches deep with the pointed end facing up, spacing cloves 6–8 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil.

Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily).

Watering & Care: Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season without allowing it to become waterlogged. Apply mulch after planting to conserve moisture, protect cloves through winter, and suppress weeds. Garlic does not compete well with weeds, so regular weeding is important for producing large, healthy bulbs.

Fertilization: Garlic is a heavy feeder and performs best in fertile soil. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting and side-dress with additional nitrogen in early spring to encourage vigorous growth and maximum bulb size.

Harvesting Tips

Timing: Harvest in early to mid-summer when the lower leaves have turned brown but several upper leaves remain green. If extended wet weather is expected near harvest, lifting bulbs slightly early can help reduce the risk of rot.

Process: Loosen the soil with a garden fork and carefully lift the bulbs without damaging them. Hardneck varieties produce a flower stalk (scape), which should be removed in late spring to encourage larger bulb development. The scapes are also a delicious culinary treat.

Storage: Cure bulbs in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated location for 3–4 weeks. Once fully cured, trim the roots and stalks and store in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Chesnok Red typically stores well for 4–6 months while maintaining its outstanding flavor.