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Garlic - All About Elephant Garlic: Planting, Care, and Harvesting GuideUpdated 4 months ago

Elephant garlic, scientifically known as Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum, is a unique member of the garlic family prized for its mild flavor and large bulb size. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and harvesting elephant garlic:



Planting Time: Elephant garlic can be planted in the fall for a spring harvest or in early spring. It thrives in cool weather.


Location: Choose a spot with full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. It can also be grown in containers with sufficient depth for bulb growth.



Planting Method:

  • Separate the cloves from the bulb.
  • Plant cloves pointed end up about 6 inches deep.
  • Space cloves 1 foot apart to allow bulbs to mature properly.
  • Lightly cover with soil and water thoroughly after planting.


Sun and Temperature:

  • Elephant garlic prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
  • Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, tolerating temperatures down to -20°F with proper mulching.

Watering:

  • Water regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week.
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases like root rot.

Soil:

  • Use loose, fertile soil with good drainage and a neutral pH.
  • Incorporate well-rotted compost if making your own soil mix.

Fertilizing:

  • Apply compost at planting and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (12-0-0 or 15-0-0 NPK) every two weeks once foliage begins.
  • Shift to a high-phosphorus fertilizer (3-15-2 NPK) after flowering heads fall over to promote bulb development.

Pruning:

  • Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed but minimal pruning is required until harvest.



Propagation:

  • Propagate by planting large cloves from harvested bulbs in organic matter.
  • Expect new plants with cloves surrounding large bulbs within a year.



Harvesting:

  • Harvest when foliage begins to yellow and fall over, usually in late spring or early summer.
  • Carefully dig bulbs out to avoid bruising.
  • Remove excess soil and dry bulbs in a well-ventilated area for 3-8 weeks until outer layers are dry and papery.

Storing:

  • Store cured bulbs in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
  • Bulbs can last up to 10 months hanging or on a counter, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month once peeled.
  • Freeze whole bulbs for 6-8 months or freeze paste for 3-5 months.



Common Issues:

  • Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot and avoid compacted soil or overwatering.
  • Control pests like slugs with organic methods such as beer traps or copper tape.
  • Watch for diseases like Fusarium root rot, managing with mycorrhizal additives and proper soil solarization.




Looking for more information? Check out the full article on our blog:

Written by Sarah Jay

LAST UPDATED: OCTOBER 12, 2023

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