How To Grow Elephant Garlic

Growing Elephant Garlic

Elephant Garlic needs a cool season to grow successfully.  I planted mine in the early fall to give it time to set strong roots.  This garlic takes around 240 days to mature, so you are definitely in it for the long haul!  When choosing a location, pick a spot with full sun and well drained soil.  Remember since this plant is larger and doesn't appreciate overcrowding, give it plenty of room.  While you are loosening your soil, it is also a good time to amend with organic matter.  Make sure to plant your cloves down 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart.  Water in your new plants and also add a good layer of mulch.  This layer will protect your tender plants from frost during the winter months.  I also added a frost blanket and hoop house for extra protection.  The winters can be harsh here in New England, so I didn't want to take any chances of damage with falling ice and heavy snow.  

When you remove the mulch in the spring, make sure to weed regularly.  This way, your Elephant garlic doesn't have to compete for nutrients.  Make sure to water regularly during dry months with less rainfall.  I use a soaker hose to give my plants a regular drink.  During the spring, the leaves will grow anywhere from 24 to 36 inches high.  During the beginning of June, you will start to see your garlic scapes sprout.  You can harvest these and enjoy in your seasonal meals.  You want to remove the scapes before they begin to flower to direct energy to the bulbs.  I harvested most of mine and made dishes like this delicious Summer Garden Stir-fry.  I did leave one scape intact so I could enjoy it's beautiful bloom. 

Harvesting Elephant Garlic

When the foliage of your garlic plant begins to turn yellow and dry out, it is finally time to harvest!  You will notice your leaves will bend and look like they are dying back.  This is perfectly normal!  Now, is when you begin to pull.  When you pull your plants out of the soil, it should be easy with no need for harsh tugging.  After removing your Elephant garlic, give it a good wash with the hose.  This removes any dirt or bugs stuck to the roots and bulbs.  Allow them to dry out in the sun or garage for a couple of hours.  After this, move to a well-ventilated location like a basement for about 3 to 4 weeks.  When you pull up your bulbs, you will notice small corms attached to your large cloves.  These can be removed and replanted if desired.  The first year, they will produce a non-blooming plant with a single bulb.  The second year is when you can enjoy multiple cloves!