Chesnock Red Garlic
Chesnok Red Garlic, belonging to the Purple Stripe variety, stands out as one of the most visually captivating garlic varieties in our collection. Its stunning appearance is just the beginning of its appeal. Chesnok Red Garlic offers exceptional flavor, particularly when roasted, infusing cooked dishes with a delightful garlicky sweetness that avoids overwhelming spiciness.
This robust garlic variety is well-suited for cultivation, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. It reliably produces 6-10 cloves per bulb, each encased in tightly wrapped, enchanting pinkish-red skins.
In terms of storage, Chesnok Red Garlic maintains its quality for a moderate duration of approximately 4-6 months, provided it is handled properly after harvest. This makes it a practical choice for those looking to enjoy the essence of fresh garlic over an extended period.
Chesnok Red Garlic is a harmonious blend of beauty, flavor, and ease of cultivation. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to garlic cultivation, this variety promises a visually stunning addition to your garden and a sweet, savory touch to your culinary creations. Plant Chesnok Red Garlic and experience its unique qualities for yourself.
*We sell garlic by the clove rather than by the head, enabling us to thoroughly inspect each clove to ensure its quality and to guarantee that there are no signs of mold or undesirable cloves.
Botanical Name:
Allium sativum
Neck Type:
Hard
Planting Depth:
2"- 4"
Spacing:
6"-12" apart
Germination Temperature:
Garlic shoots exhibit resilience, withstanding air temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit without harm. However, it's important to note that when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a risk of shoot dieback and suboptimal bulb development. Therefore, it's advisable to maintain a protective layer of mulch until temperatures consistently rise to more favorable levels.
Utilization:
Chesnok Red is renowned for its remarkable medicinal properties, making it a preferred choice in herbal medicine. It excels in a wide array of culinary applications, including baking, enhancing the flavors of stews, and even being used in unique creations like garlic ice cream. Furthermore, Chesnok Red's versatility extends to being enjoyed raw.
When it comes to growing conditions, Chesnok Red garlic thrives in environments with exposure to colder weather. This exposure plays a pivotal role in facilitating robust growth and the development of sizable garlic bulbs, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
Container Friendly:
Yes
Frost Tolerant:
Yes
Maturity Days:
250-290
Growing Instructions:
How To Grow Garlic:
Step 1: Choose the Right Garlic
Variety: There are two main types: hardneck and softneck. Hardneck garlic produces scapes (curly flower stalks) and has larger cloves, while softneck garlic stores longer and is often found in grocery stores. Choose varieties that grow well in your climate.
Cloves: Select large, healthy cloves from a fresh garlic bulb. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots.
Step 2: Timing is Everything
Fall Planting (Ideal): Plant garlic cloves in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. This allows them to develop strong roots before winter.
Spring Planting: If you miss the fall window, you can plant in early spring, but fall planting generally yields bigger bulbs.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Garlic doesn't like to sit in water.
Soil Quality: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Garlic prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0).
Step 4: Plant the Cloves
Separate: Gently separate the cloves from the bulb.
Planting Depth: Plant cloves 2-4 inches deep, pointy end up.
Spacing: Space cloves apart per their respective varieties, this will be in the instructions.
Step 5: Mulch and Water
Mulch: After planting, apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch (straw, leaves, or shredded bark) to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the cloves from freezing temperatures.
Water: Water the garlic regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot.
Step 6: Ongoing Care
Weed Control: Keep the garlic bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Fertilize: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring if needed.
Scapes: If you're growing hardneck garlic, remove the scapes (flower stalks) in early summer. This redirects energy to bulb development.
Step 7: Harvesting
Timing: Garlic is usually ready to harvest in mid to late summer, when the lower leaves begin to brown.
Digging: Carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs with a garden fork and lift them out.
Curing: Bundle the garlic plants or spread them out in a well-ventilated, shady area to cure for 2-3 weeks. This allows the bulbs to dry and the flavor to develop.
Step 8: Storage
Clean: Once cured, brush off any excess dirt and trim the roots and tops.
Store: Store garlic in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Braiding softneck garlic is a traditional storage method.
Extra Tips:
Crop Rotation: Avoid planting garlic in the same spot year after year to prevent disease buildup.
Save the Best: Save some of your largest, healthiest bulbs to plant for next year's crop.
Enjoy: Use your homegrown garlic in all your favorite recipes!