Elephant Garlic – Planting Cloves & Whole Bulbs

Grow elephant garlic for generously sized cloves and a mild garlic flavor that fits everyday cooking. Choose individual cloves for planting or whole bulbs to divide for your garden. From preparing a sunny bed to lifting and curing your harvest, elephant garlic offers a rewarding bulb-growing project.

Choose Your Option

• 1 clove: One individual elephant garlic clove.
• 3 cloves: Three individual elephant garlic cloves.
• 1 bulb: One whole elephant garlic bulb.
• 3 bulbs: Three whole elephant garlic bulbs.

A clove is one section of a bulb, not a whole bulb. Bulb size and the number of cloves per bulb naturally vary; a fixed clove count per whole bulb is not guaranteed. This listing is not for true garlic seeds or a live potted plant.

Growing Conditions

Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid sites that stay waterlogged. Planting time depends on your climate: fall planting is commonly used where plants can establish before winter, while spring planting is an option when the soil can be worked.

Planting Your Cloves

If you select whole bulbs, gently separate them into individual cloves shortly before planting. Leave each clove's protective papery skin intact. Plant upright with the pointed end facing up and the broad root end down. Allow generous room between plants for large bulbs to develop.

Care During Growth

Keep the bed weeded and monitor soil moisture during active growth. Water as needed without leaving the soil saturated. As the crop approaches maturity, reduce watering and watch the foliage for signs that the bulbs are ready.

Harvesting and Curing

Begin checking bulbs as the tops yellow, before the foliage becomes completely dry. Gently loosen the soil with a garden fork and lift carefully to avoid damaging the bulbs. Brush away loose soil and cure the harvest in a shaded, airy location with good circulation.

Once the outer wrappers and roots are dry, trim as needed and keep the protective wrappers intact. Store in a cool, dark, dry, well-ventilated place. Save sound, well-formed cloves if you plan to plant again next season.

In the Kitchen

Use your harvested elephant garlic where a mild garlic flavor is welcome, such as roasted vegetable dishes, sauces, and savory meals. Harvest size and timing vary with climate, planting season, and care.