Introduction
Elephant garlic, despite its name, is more closely related to leeks than to regular garlic. Known for its large cloves and mild flavour, elephant garlic is a unique addition to any garden. It is easy to grow and can be a striking feature with its large, broad leaves.
Why grow elephant garlic?
Elephant garlic has a milder taste compared to regular garlic, making it perfect for those who find regular garlic too strong. It can be used in a variety of dishes and is often roasted or grilled. Growing your own ensures a fresh supply and allows you to enjoy this unique allium straight from your garden.
Suitability for different growing environments
Elephant garlic thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers full sun. It is quite hardy and can be grown in garden beds or large containers. Good drainage is essential to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
Lifecycle
Elephant garlic has a fascinating lifecycle. Typically, you plant individual cloves in the autumn. During the first year, these cloves often grow into large, undivided bulbs called ‘rounds’ rather than forming separate cloves. These rounds can be left in the ground or harvested and replanted in autumn, where they will then form cloves in their second year.
Clove-forming bulbs are harvested in late June or early July and dried in a well-ventilated shed, out of direct sunlight.
In October and November, some of these harvested bulbs are split into cloves and replanted. Initially, the cloves concentrate on developing their root system, which can take several weeks to months depending on the weather. It can take longer than expected for the shoots to emerge, but they almost always do, so patience is required.
In colder winters, you may need to apply mulch. The shoots might not break through the mulch until early spring, but by then, the plant will have a strong root system ready for vigorous growth.
When the shoots finally appear, their small leaves grow quickly. Because of their size, full sun is best for these plants. If you are interplanting, ensure that the elephant garlic leaves are above the interplants, such as low-lying strawberries, before they start growing actively in spring.
Sowing and harvesting periods
- Sowing: Autumn (October to December)
- Harvesting: Summer (June to July)
Recommended varieties
Elephant garlic itself is the main variety, with no significant cultivars. It is known for its large size and mild flavour.
How to sow
Plant elephant garlic cloves in autumn, about 6 inches (15 cm) apart and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the pointed end facing up. Space rows about 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Cover with soil and water well.
How to prick out/pot on
Elephant garlic is typically grown from cloves planted directly in the ground, so pricking out is not necessary. If starting in containers, transplant seedlings to their final positions in early spring.
Where to plant
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to enhance fertility. Avoid planting in areas where other alliums have been grown in recent years to prevent disease.
How many to plant (spacing)
Plant cloves 6 inches (15 cm) apart within rows spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Adequate spacing ensures each plant has enough room to develop large bulbs.
How to plant
Directly plant elephant garlic cloves into prepared soil in autumn. Cover with soil and mulch with straw or compost to protect the cloves over winter and retain moisture.
Protecting your plants
Protect young plants from harsh winter weather with a layer of mulch. Watch for pests like slugs and snails, and use organic methods such as beer traps or handpicking to manage them.
How to feed and water
Water elephant garlic regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support growth. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How to propagate, prune/manage while growing
Elephant garlic can be propagated from cloves or bulbils. Divide large bulbs into individual cloves for planting. Remove any flowering stems (scapes) that appear in late spring to encourage bulb development.
How and when to harvest
Harvest elephant garlic in early summer when the leaves start to turn yellow and die back. Carefully lift the bulbs with a fork, being cautious not to damage them. Allow the bulbs to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few weeks before storing.
How to store
Store cured elephant garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. They can be stored for several months. Keep bulbs away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent sprouting or rotting.
How to eat/cook
Elephant garlic can be used much like regular garlic but with a milder flavour. It is excellent roasted, grilled, or added to soups and stews. The large cloves can be sliced and sautéed or used in stir-fries for a mild garlic taste.
How to deal with pests and disease
Monitor for pests like onion fly and allium leaf miner. Use physical barriers such as netting to protect plants. Practice crop rotation and avoid planting alliums in the same spot each year to reduce disease risk.
When and how to remove the plants
Remove plants after harvesting the bulbs. Cut back foliage and compost it. Rotate crops annually to maintain soil health and reduce pest and disease issues.
What to plant before and after
Plant elephant garlic after crops that have been well-fertilised, such as legumes, which help to improve soil fertility. Avoid planting after other alliums to minimise disease problems.
Follow elephant garlic with leafy greens, root vegetables, or legumes to take advantage of the improved soil structure. Rotate crops to maintain soil health.
What to interplant with
Companion plant elephant garlic with carrots, beets, or lettuce. These crops benefit from the pest-deterring properties of garlic and help maximise garden space.