Organic Red Chesnok Garlic (lb)

Organic Red Chesnok seed garlic, also known as Shvelisi, originated near the village of Shvelisi in the Republic of Georgia and entered wider collections in the 1980s. “Chesnok” is a transliteration of a Slavic word for garlic, while Shvelisi points to the source location. This certified organic Purple Stripe is celebrated for colorful bulbs, edible scapes, and exceptional roasting flavor.

Red Chesnok is a natural choice for growers who dream about roasting their own garlic. The creamy bulbs reveal vivid violet striping and red-fuchsia clove skins, making the harvest as beautiful as it is flavorful. Each bulb typically holds 8–10 neatly arranged cloves, and the plants send up edible scapes first. Keep a few bulbs labeled for a side-by-side roast—the famous sweetness is the trait that turns many gardeners into repeat growers.

Raw cloves offer clear garlic heat and a rich, lingering finish, but roasting is where the variety is especially famous. Slow heat brings forward sweetness and a smooth texture suited to bread, potatoes, sauces, soups, and spreads. Use it whole in roasting pans or separate cloves for confit. Small raw amounts also give pesto, salsa, and dressings a colorful, flavorful lift.

When growing Red Chesnok, plant the cloves in fall where winter cold can support strong Purple Stripe development. A sunny, well-drained bed and even spring watering help the bulbs form without stress. Take the scapes while tender, then let the plants finish until lower leaves brown around mid-summer. Lift gently to protect the colorful wrappers, and cure in a shaded place with generous air movement before setting aside bulbs for roasting and storage.

Variety Details

• Type: Standard Purple Stripe hardneck garlic
• Flavor: Balanced raw heat with pronounced sweetness when roasted
• Bulbs & Cloves: Typically 8–10 cloves per bulb; bulb size and count vary with growing conditions
• Appearance: Violet-striped bulbs with red to fuchsia clove skins
• Planting Time: Fall
• Approximate Harvest: Mid-summer; timing varies by climate and planting date
• Zones & Climate: Zones 3–10; winter chill supports hardneck development
• Storage: Cure fully and keep cool, dry, and ventilated
• Something Special: The Shvelisi heirloom that earned a lasting reputation as a roasting garlic

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).