Allium sativum 'Chesnok Red'
Chesnok Red Hardneck Garlic
Republic of Georgia (Shvelisi region, Caucasus); parent species originated in Central Asia
Overview
Allium sativum 'Chesnok Red' is a hardneck garlic in the Purple Stripe group reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) wide with an upright habit and flat strap-like leaves. The cultivar originates in the Shvelisi region of the Republic of Georgia (Caucasus); the name 'Chesnok' means 'garlic' in Russian. Plants produce bulbs 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm) in diameter with 8–12 cloves per bulb wrapped in purple-striped skins. Individual clove wrappers are deep purple-red and peel away readily. Maturity is 240–270 days from fall planting. Growth rate is moderate. The cultivar is hardy to zone 3. Individual cloves are planted in fall 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes. A curly flower scape emerges in early summer and is removed to direct energy into bulb sizing. Flavor is complex and sweetens when roasted. Bulbs store 4–5 months. Family Amaryllidaceae spp..
Native Range
The parent species Allium sativum originated in Central Asia. 'Chesnok Red' is from the Shvelisi region of the Republic of Georgia (Caucasus). The cultivar name 'Chesnok' means 'garlic' in Russian.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and raised beds for culinary use in roasting (where the complex flavor sweetens), sauces, and cooked dishes. The Purple Stripe hardneck group carries large cloves with easy-peel purple wrappers. Edible scapes extend the harvest window. The cultivar is a Georgian heirloom, fall-planted, with 4–5 month storage life. The 240–270 day crop cycle and the vernalization (cold-winter) requirement restrict production to regions with adequate winter chill — the cultivar is not suitable for spring planting or warm-winter climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 8"
Bloom Information
Produces a curly flower scape carrying topset bulbils from June through July. Scapes are removed once they curl once (or twice) to redirect energy into the underground bulb. Cut scapes are edible and carry mild garlic flavor.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Purple-pink; small bulbils in a spherical head on a curly scape; June through July; removed for larger bulbsFoliage Description
Grey-green; flat strap-like; upright; curly scape in early summerGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Individual cloves are planted in fall 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep, pointed end up, 4–6 weeks before the ground freezes. A heavy mulch applied after planting protects cloves through winter and suppresses weeds in spring. Full sun and rich well-drained soil at pH 6.0–7.5 support bulb development. Flower scapes are removed in June once they complete a single curl to redirect energy into the bulb. Harvest occurs when the lower 3–4 leaves have browned (typically July). Bulbs cure 2–3 weeks in a warm dry airy location before trimming and storage. Maturity is 240–270 days from fall planting. Cured bulbs store 4–5 months at cool dry room conditions.Pruning
Flower scapes are removed when they complete the first curl — snapped or cut at the base. Scapes are edible with a mild garlic flavor. No other pruning is used during the growing season.Pruning Schedule
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summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons