Left Continue shopping
Your Order

You have no items in your cart

You might also like
From $2999
Show options
From $399
Show options

Elephant Garlic Growing Guide

What is Elephant Garlic?

Did you know that Elephant Garlic is closely related to leeks? It has a couple of similarities and differences when compared to regular garlic. Similar to leeks in appearance it contains a tall flowering stalk with flat leaves but has a bulb that forms large garlic-like cloves. Much like onions, immature elephant garlic plants can be topped off or cut off in order for more of the energy to be focused on the bulbs. However, the flavor profile of elephant garlic is much more similar to regular garlic than leeks, with a milder flavor than garlic and can sometimes taste better when used raw.

It is one of the EASIEST and most fun crops to grow alongside our bulbing onions throughout the winter months and has very few pest issues. Elephant Garlic grows best in the southern states with mild winters, compared to hard and soft neck garlic varieties, which can be a challenge to grow in the south. Garlic grows best when the competition with weeds is reduced, you’ll want to keep weeds at a minimum with frequent sallow cultivation. When planting the cloves, you want to plant with the blunt end of the clove into the soil first, the tip of the clove should be slightly exposed to the soil. Elephant garlic is considered a biennial, which means it completes its life cycle in two growing seasons (Fall-planted, Spring/Summer – harvest).

How to Start Growing Elephant Garlic

Knowing when to plant your cloves based on your zone is extremely important. It will tolerate cold temperatures and will do best when overwintered. In warmer climates, it can also be planted in the late winter/early spring. However, the elephant garlic bulbs will not usually be as big when planting the elephant garlic cloves in the fall. Depending on your zone, traditionally you plant in October or November if you’re in the warmer climates.

Like traditional garlic, elephant garlic overwinters in areas where winters are harsh; in areas of milder winter months, it grows frost-hardy leaves. If you are in milder climates, you can plant your elephant garlic from October to December, although you may want to plant them from September through November in the cooler climates, to give the elephant garlic time to develop healthier roots before the harsh winter months.

Did You Know?

Despite its name, Elephant Garlic is not a true garlic species but rather a close relative of the leek. It gets its name due to the large bulb size, resembling that of an elephant's foot.

Our Favorite Elephant Garlic to Grow

Elephant Garlic Plant Spacing

When choosing a spot to grow your garlic, full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight most days)  is always recommended. They can grow in partial shade, but risk smaller bulb size. Divide the cloves, and plant each clove with the pointed end up (1 to 2 inches deep). You can gently add soil to the top of the cloves and water lightly. 

It can be successfully planted and grown in Root Pouch Grow Bags if you are limited on space. We recommend using a 15-gallon bag or larger. You can plant as many as 6 cloves in one 15-gallon grow bag.

In-Ground Planting

Row Spacing - 1 to 2 feet

Plant Spacing - 4 to 6 inches

Planting Depth - 1 to 2 inches

Raised Bed Planting

Row Spacing - 1 to 2 feet

Plant Spacing - 4 to 6 inches

Planting Depth - 1 to 2 inches

Elephant Garlic Soil, Irrigation, & Fertilizer

Soil Requirements to Grow Elephant Garlic

  • Loose, well-draining soil. Heavy soil will put pressure on the bulb as it's developing and could inhibit growth.
  • pH between 6.0 and 7.0
  • Rich in organic materials
  • Good quality compost added to the soil

Elephant Garlic Irrigation Requirements

Elephant Garlic plants need at least 1 inch of water per week. Using drip irrigation is always recommended to be sure that your plants are getting moisture directly to their root system. If you’re using conventional overhead watering techniques, try and use something like the Dramm Watering Can and water and fertilize at the base of the plant to keep moisture off the leaves.

Raised Bed Fertilizer Schedule

Several Weeks Before Planting

Test your soil at your local extension office.

1 Week Before Planting

After adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 7.0, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row or ¼ cup per plant of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.

2 Weeks After Planting

Sidedress 2 cups of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft. of row.

Every Week for 3 Consecutive Weeks

Mix 1 tablet each of Dr. Joe Nutri Bubble -AND- Dr. Joe Growing Bubble into 1 gallon of water. Apply as a drench to 10 ft. of row.

Alternate Every 4th Week

-ONLY- Sidedress 1/2 cup of Hoss Premium Ammonium Sulfate to 10 ft. of row for in-ground planting. You can use Dr. Joe Nutri Bubble in growing in containers. Restart and repeat schedule at previous step.

30 Days Before Harvest

Discontinue fertilizing.

In-Ground Fertilizer Schedule

Several Weeks Before Planting

Test your soil at your local extension office.

1 Week Before Planting

After adjusting soil pH to 6.0 – 6.5, mix 1 1/2 cups per 10 ft. of row of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer with your soil.

2 Weeks After Planting

Using the Hoss Fertilizer Injector, Mix 1 cup Hoss Premium 20-20-20 Fertilizer per 20 ft. of row.

4 Weeks After Planting

Mix 1 cup of Hoss Premium 20-20-20 Fertilizer -AND -1-2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.

Alternate Every 7 Days

Sidedress with Hoss Premium Ammonium Sulfate -AND- 1 cup of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.

30 Days Before Harvest

Discontinue fertilizing.

Elephant Garlic Pest & Disease Protection

Summary

While elephant garlic can typically help neighboring plants deter certain pests and diseases, it could potentially have issues with Aphids.  Generally speaking, elephant garlic has relatively few issues with diseases and pests.

Insects

Bug Buster-O
Aphids, Flea Beetles, Whiteflies, Moths, Armyworms

Spinosad Garden Insect Spray
Aphids, Flea Beetle, Whiteflies, Moths

Liquid Copper Fungicide
Black rot, Alternaria, Downy Mildew

Treat as needed using label instructions.

Harvesting, Preserving, and Storing Elephant Garlic

Hands holding Elephant Garlic

When & How To Harvest Elephant Garlic

It can normally take anywhere from 180 to 210 days to full maturity. When it comes time to harvest elephant garlic you are able to get a one-time harvest in the vegetable garden. Normally twice the size of a regular hard-neck or soft-neck garlic. Once the bulbs on the leaves begin to die back and bend over, that is a good key indication that the elephant garlic is ready to harvest in the vegetable garden. Before pulling your bulbs, take the time to loosen the soil around the plant. You can also use a digging fork when harvesting in-ground elephant garlic, but make sure you insert it away from the bulb.

Drying Elephant Garlic

After harvesting all of your elephant garlic from the garden, they should be stored away to cure in an area that is shaded and dry (ex. underneath a barn). To maintain the best storage life and flavor profile, elephant garlic should be kept in a cool area with no sunlight until ready to be used for cooking. Your garlic should not be refrigerated.

It has a shorter storage life than traditional garlic so it should be used within a couple of weeks for optimal flavor. Along with storing away elephant garlic, you are able to save cloves for the next growing season in your garden.

Grow Your Own Elephant Garlic!

Elephant Garlic Growing Tips & Tricks

Can You Use Elephant Garlic Scapes?

ABSOLUTELY! The scapes of elephant garlic are considered to be a particular culinary delicacy! A “scape” is a leafless flower stalk that comes directly from a root. Harvest them while they’re young, by doing this, your elephant garlic bulbs will take in all the nutrients that it was initially shared with the scape, and this will produce bigger bulbs!

What Are Elephant Garlic Corms?

The little bulblets on the bottom of your elephant garlic bulbs are called “Corms”. You can plant the corms just like you would plant the bigger elephant garlic cloves, it will just take a little longer for you to produce normal-sized elephant garlic bulbs (around 2-3 years). Fun Fact: you can harvest the corms and sautee them in olive oil with a little seasoning and you’re in for a treat!

Is Elephant Garlic Good for You?

Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound with many health benefits: this ancient plant used for flavor, health, and medicine for over 5,000 years. Studies have shown that the properties of garlic can help lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, and boost your immune system. It also contains antioxidants that may help people avoid Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

How to Be Successful
Growing Garlic

Cabbage Growing Guide - HOSS

Cabbage Growing Guide

Cabbage is a nutritious, leafy green that is great addition for your home garden! This vegetable is densely packed with fiber and rich with Vitamin C and Vitamin K. From coleslaw to Kimchi, cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in many ways! 
Read more
Lettuce Growing Guide - HOSS

Lettuce Growing Guide

The taste of a homegrown lettuce is unlike anything store-bought and is more densely packed with Vitamin A! This easy to grow cool season crop is a garden staple for beginners and experts alike.

Read more
Tobacco Growing Guide

Tobacco Growing Guide

Tobacco is a member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family. This family includes tomato, pepper, eggplant, Irish potato, and a number of other plants. Tobacco belongs to the genus Nicotiana, and almost all commercial tobacco is of the tabacum species. The Nicotiana rustica species was commonly used by...
Read more