Chesnok Red

Garlic

Zone 10a Save Garden

🌱 180d to harvest Bulbing

Chesnok Red brings a bold, lingering aroma with a rich, savory depth that feels almost velvety on the palate. Expect medium-to-la…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 16th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Nov 7th
Harvest Begins	May 6th
Harvest Ends	Dec 19th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	180
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bulbing
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Pineapple Weed Chamomile

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Allium sativum (Chesnok Red garlic), and how do I manage it?

Garlic commonly suffers from white rot (Sclerotium cepivorum), which causes yellowing, stunting, and white fungal growth at the base; once present, it can persist in soil. Prevent it by planting in well-drained beds, avoiding replanting garlic/alliums in the same spot for several years, and using only clean, firm seed cloves from healthy stock. If you see plants collapsing with basal white growth, remove and discard them (don’t compost) and treat surrounding soil as contaminated to reduce spread.

How often should I water Allium sativum during its main growth phase, and what soil moisture level should I keep?

After sprouting, keep the soil consistently lightly moist for good leaf growth, typically watering about 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall and your soil texture. Aim for “damp but not soggy”: the bed should drain quickly, with the top 1 inch drying slightly between waterings to prevent bulb diseases. Reduce watering in late season (when scapes form and leaves start to yellow) so bulbs can cure instead of staying wet.

How can I tell when Chesnok Red garlic is ready to harvest?

Harvest when about 2–3 leaves remain green and the rest have browned and dried, usually around 180 days from planting. Loosen one bulb carefully to check: cloves should be plump and the outer skins should be papery and intact. If cloves are still soft or the skins rub off easily, leave the bulbs in the ground a bit longer.

Chesnok Red brings a bold, lingering aroma with a rich, savory depth that feels almost velvety on the palate. Expect medium-to-large cloves wrapped in striking reddish-purple skins, with a firm, creamy interior that roasts beautifully and lends itself to robust sauces and pickling brines. A hardneck favorite for gardeners who want dependable performance and a standout harvest with unmistakable character.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant individual cloves (pointed end up) in fall 6–8 weeks before your average first fall frost for best bulb formation and to overwinter cleanly.