Elephant garlic
Very large, mild bulbs from a plant closer to a leek than true garlic.
Elephant garlic (Cloves)
£4.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
October–November or February–March from cloves
Plant out
Plant cloves deeper and farther apart than ordinary garlic; dry bulbs thoroughly.
Harvest
June–August
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Keep consistently moist during dry spells, especially in spring. Reduce watering as harvest approaches.
Soil
Rich, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
10–15cm (4–6 inches) between cloves, 30cm (12 inches) between rows
Containers
Possible in deep, wide containers (at least 20cm/8 inches deep), but ensure good drainage
Indoors
Not typically grown indoors, requires cold period for bulb formation
Care and harvest
Feeding
Not a heavy feeder; a balanced organic fertiliser can be incorporated before planting
Pruning
Remove any flower stalks (scapes) as they emerge to encourage larger bulbs, unless you want to harvest scapes for cooking.
Harvesting
Plant cloves deeper and farther apart than ordinary garlic; dry bulbs thoroughly.
Storage
Store in nets or plaited strings in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place for 6-12 months
Good companions: Roses, Tomatoes, Fruit trees