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Elephant Garlic

Allium ampeloprasum

Despite its name, Elephant Garlic is actually more closely related to leeks than true garlic, producing massive bulbs that can weigh up to one pound each. The flavor is much milder and sweeter than regular garlic, making it perfect for roasting whole or for those who want garlic flavor without the bite. Each enormous clove can be as large as a regular garlic bulb.

Harvest

240-270d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

5–10

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

3-4 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Elephant Garlic in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Elephant Garlic · Zones 5–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing8-10 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week during active growth, stop watering when leaves begin to yellow

SeasonPlant in fall for summer harvest

FlavorMild, sweet garlic flavor, much less pungent than regular garlic

ColorWhite to cream colored bulbs and cloves

Size3-5 inch diameter bulbs, individual cloves 1-2 inches

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	May – June	December – October
Zone 4	—	—	April – June	December – October
Zone 5	—	—	April – May	December – November
Zone 6	—	—	April – May	December – November
Zone 7	—	—	March – May	December – November
Zone 8	—	—	March – April	November – December
Zone 9	—	—	February – March	October – December
Zone 10	—	—	January – March	October – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Type: Capsule.

Bloom time: Spring

Edibility: The leaves and bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked in small quantities.

Storage & Preservation

Cure elephant garlic immediately after harvest by laying bulbs in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Ideal curing conditions are 70-80°F with good airflow. Once the outer skins are papery and the neck area feels completely dry, trim roots and cut stalks to 1 inch above the bulb.

Properly cured elephant garlic stores 4-6 months at room temperature in a dark, dry location with good ventilation. Never refrigerate whole bulbs as this triggers sprouting. Once you break apart the bulb, individual cloves keep 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

For long-term preservation, slice cloves and dehydrate at 115°F until crisp, then grind into powder. Elephant garlic also freezes well when minced—freeze in ice cube trays with olive oil for convenient portions. The mild flavor makes it excellent for pickling whole small cloves in vinegar brine, creating a gourmet condiment that keeps 6 months refrigerated.

History & Origin

Origin: Macronesia, Mediterranean, Asia

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Rabbits, Voles
+Edible: The leaves and bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked in small quantities.

Considerations

-Toxic: Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Elephant garlic repels aphids, spider mites, and other pests that commonly attack tomatoes

Cabbage

Deters cabbage worms, aphids, and other brassica pests while improving growth

Carrots

Repels carrot flies and root maggots, while carrots help break up soil for garlic bulbs

Lettuce

Provides pest protection without competing for nutrients, maximizes garden space

Roses

Repels aphids, spider mites, and may reduce fungal diseases like black spot

Peppers

Deters aphids, spider mites, and other common pepper pests

Spinach

Benefits from pest protection while maturing before garlic needs full space

Strawberries

Repels slugs, aphids, and other pests that damage strawberry plants

Keep Apart

Beans

Garlic can inhibit nitrogen fixation and overall growth of legumes

Peas

Allelopathic compounds in garlic can stunt pea growth and reduce yields

Asparagus

Can inhibit asparagus growth and interfere with root development

Nutrition Facts

Calories

143kcal(7%)

Protein

6.62g(13%)

Fiber

2.7g(10%)

Carbs

28.2g(10%)

Fat

0.38g(0%)

Vitamin C

10mg(11%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #1104647)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease resistant, more robust than regular garlic

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips, onion maggot

Diseases

White rot, fusarium basal rot, rust

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does elephant garlic take to grow?▼

Elephant garlic takes 240-270 days (8-9 months) to mature from planting to harvest. Plant cloves in fall, typically October-November, and harvest the following July. This long growing season is necessary for the bulbs to develop their characteristic large size.

Can you grow elephant garlic in containers?▼

Yes, but use very large containers at least 12 inches deep and 10 inches wide per bulb. The long growing season and large root system require substantial space. Use well-draining potting mix and ensure containers won't freeze solid in winter.

What does elephant garlic taste like?▼

Elephant garlic has a much milder, sweeter flavor than regular garlic with almost no bite or pungency. The taste is more similar to a mild onion or leek. It's perfect for people who want subtle garlic flavor without intensity, and it's excellent roasted whole.

Is elephant garlic good for beginners?▼

Yes, elephant garlic is excellent for beginner gardeners. It's more disease-resistant than regular garlic, more forgiving with harvest timing, and requires minimal care once planted. The main requirement is patience for the long 8-9 month growing period.

When should I plant elephant garlic?▼

Plant elephant garlic in fall, 4-6 weeks before your first hard freeze. This timing is typically October through November in most areas. Fall planting allows the necessary cold period for bulb development and spring growth.

Elephant garlic vs regular garlic - what's the difference?▼

Elephant garlic is actually more closely related to leeks than true garlic, resulting in much milder flavor and larger bulbs. Regular garlic has intense, pungent flavor and smaller bulbs. Elephant garlic takes longer to grow but is easier and more disease-resistant.