How to Grow Elephant Garlic

If you're a garlic lover, you're likely familiar with the smaller cloves found in regular garlic bulbs. But, have you ever heard of elephant garlic? This variety of garlic is much larger than its counterparts, with each clove averaging about the size of a golf ball. But, growing elephant garlic is not quite the same as growing regular garlic. Here's how to plant elephant garlic successfully.

Preparing the Soil

Like any garden plant, elephant garlic requires fertile soil to thrive. Start by choosing an area that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic matter like compost or aged manure. For best results, try to achieve a soil pH level between 5.5 and 7.0.

Planting Elephant Garlic

Once you've prepared your soil, it's time to get ready to plant elephant garlic. Separating the bulbs into cloves, plant each clove about 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Be sure to plant with the pointed end facing up, while keeping the flat end facing down. After planting, cover the cloves with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering and Fertilizing

Elephant garlic requires consistent moisture while growing. Water your plants deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water. Be sure not to overwater as too much water can lead to rotting or fungal infections. Fertilize your garlic twice a year- once in the spring and once in the fall. Use a slow-release, organic fertilizer, and be sure to follow the package directions.

Harvesting Elephant Garlic

Elephant garlic isn't ready to be harvested until the foliage above the soil has dried and turned brown. Typically this occurs in early to mid-summer, depending on your planting date. When the time comes to harvest, use a garden fork or a shovel to gently dig up the bulbs. Be sure to do this on a dry, sunny day to minimize the risk of rotting.

Storing Elephant Garlic

After harvesting, brush off any excess soil and let your elephant garlic cure for at least two weeks. During this time, it's important to keep the garlic in a warm, dry location to prevent mold growth. Once the bulbs are dry and the outer layers are papery, you can store them in a cool, dark place. A garage or root cellar works well, and the garlic should keep for up to six months.

Conclusion

Growing elephant garlic is a unique and rewarding experience for any gardener. With the right soil, water, and fertilizer, you can produce bulbs that are much larger than traditional garlic. If you follow these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest of delicious elephant garlic.