How to Grow Elephant Garlic
Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum
Elephant garlic is planted in autumn like regular garlic and harvested the following summer. Plant large cloves 10-15 cm deep, 20 cm apart. Keep weed-free and water in dry spells in spring. Remove flower scapes in early summer to boost bulb size. Harvest when half the leaves yellow and dry. Cure for 2-3 weeks before storing. The flavour is milder than true garlic — closer to a roasted garlic or mild onion.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser in early spring as leaves emerge to support bulb development. Avoid feeding after mid-spring as this can delay ripening.
- Elephant garlic is technically a leek, not a true garlic, with a milder, less pungent flavour. Single cloves can produce single-cloved bulbs in their first year — these are normal and will produce full multi-cloved bulbs if replanted.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 5–18°C
Pet Safety
- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 10 cm |
| Mature height | 100 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Large bulbs need more space than regular garlic. Plant with the flat side down, tip pointing up, at a depth of 10-15 cm.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 5–18°C |
| Base growth temperature | 0°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Elephant Garlic?
- Plant Elephant Garlic 20cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- Is Elephant Garlic frost hardy?
- Elephant Garlic is classified as Hardy.
