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