Want to know What is Elephant Garlic and How to Grow It? Here’s a detailed guide that will help you out with everything!
Elephant Garlic is known for its large bulb size and milder flavor compared to traditional garlic. If you’re interested in growing this flavorful herb in your garden, we’ve got you covered with all the essential tips.
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What is Elephant Garlic?
Elephant Garlic(Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum) is a plant that closely resembles garlic but is actually a type of leek.
The plant is believed to have originated in Central Asia, particularly in the region between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. It has been cultivated for centuries and is now grown in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia.
Elephant Garlic belongs to the Allium genus, which includes onions, garlic, and leeks. It is a perennial plant that forms large bulbs with multiple cloves. The plant can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) and produces thick, long, and broad leaves. The bulb size is larger compared to regular garlic, hence the name “elephant” garlic.
- Taste: Elephant Garlic has a milder flavor compared to regular garlic. Its taste is often described as slightly sweet and less pungent. When cooked, the flavor becomes mellow and buttery. The cloves are still garlicky but with a more subtle intensity. Some people prefer using Elephant Garlic when they desire a more delicate garlic flavor in their dishes.
- Size: The bulbs of Elephant Garlic can grow significantly larger than those of regular garlic. On average, the bulb can reach a diameter of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) and weigh around 6 to 8 ounces (170 to 225 grams). However, under optimal growing conditions, the bulbs can become even larger, sometimes reaching diameters of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) and weighing over a pound (450 grams or more).
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What is Elephant Garlic Used For?
Elephant Garlic is often used in culinary applications, just like regular garlic. It can be chopped, minced, or roasted, and it adds a unique and milder garlic flavor to dishes. It is also popular for its large cloves, which are easier to handle compared to the smaller cloves of regular garlic.
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Propagating Elephant Garlic
Similar to true garlic, Elephant Garlic, which grows rapidly, is typically planted in the fall and can be harvested approximately eight months later during the subsequent summer. When planted in the fall, there is a chance for elephant garlic to split into cloves.
- To start planting Elephant Garlic, begin by dividing the bulb into individual cloves.
- Plant each clove in the soil with the pointed end facing upwards at a depth of approximately 4 to 6 inches.
- Plant one clove in one pot basis if you plan to grow it in container.
- Gently press down the soil over the cloves and give them a light watering. As the elephant garlic grows, it will produce flower stalks known as scapes, similar to regular garlic.
- To promote bulb growth, it is recommended to trim or cut back the scapes before they start to curl or bloom.
- These scapes are edible and can be used in cooking, so they need not go to waste.
- Additionally, it is essential to keep weeds in check around the elephant garlic plants, as they can compete with the garlic for space and nutrients.
Requirements for Growing Elephant Garlic
Location
Elephant Garlicplants thrive in full sun, which refers to receiving a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight on most days. While they can tolerate partial shade, cultivating these plants in full sun generally results in larger bulbs.
Soil
For optimal growth, Elephant Garlic thrives in loose, organically rich soil with a neutral pH. It is crucial to ensure sharp soil drainage as these plants do not tolerate waterlogged conditions well.
Compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold are excellent choices for enriching the soil with essential nutrients and improving its structure. Work the organic matter into the soil before planting.
Water
During their active growth period, Elephant Garlic requires regular watering. It is important to provide enough water to keep the soil lightly moist but not overly saturated.
Overwatering can lead to bulb rot. It is advisable to water the plants in the morning, allowing the foliage to dry before nighttime. This helps prevent the development of fungal growth caused by damp foliage.
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Elephant Garlic Care
Fertilizer
Before planting the cloves, incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility. This will provide a nutrient-rich base for the Elephant Garlic. Follow the recommended application rates for the specific organic matter you are using.
Around 4 to 6 weeks after planting, when the Elephant Garlic plants have established a bit, you can apply a side-dressing of fertilizer to support their growth.
You can use a general-purpose organic fertilizer or a specific garlic fertilizer, following the recommended dosage on the product label.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are typically not major concerns for Elephant Garlic. However, slugs can pose a threat, particularly to young plants, especially in damp seasons. It is advisable to avoid using chemical insecticides if you plan on consuming garlic.
Wet conditions can lead to fungal diseases and rot in the plants. In such cases, it is recommended to remove the affected plants and start fresh in improved growing conditions.
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Harvesting Elephant Garlic
Elephant Garlic is usually ready for harvest in late spring or early summer, depending on the growing conditions and the specific variety. It’s important to monitor the plant closely to determine the ideal time for harvesting.
- Watch for signs that the leaves are beginning to die back and turn yellow. As the plant nears maturity, the lower leaves will start to dry and wither, indicating that the bulbs are reaching their full size.
- Elephant Garlic bulbs can vary in size, but they are generally much larger than regular garlic bulbs. When they have reached their mature size and the bulb wrappers have developed, it’s a good indication that the bulbs are ready for harvest. The average diameter of Elephant Garlic bulbs can range from 3 to 4 inches, although they can grow even larger under optimal conditions.
- To harvest Elephant Garlic, carefully dig around the bulbs using a garden fork or a shovel. Be cautious not to damage the bulbs during the digging process. Gently lift the bulbs out of the ground, keeping them intact.
