Elephant Garlic

[Jogeephus]

Anyone grow or use this? I was given some the other day to plant but i don't know much about it. Tips would be appreciated.

[Big Guy]

I have grown it but much prefer regular garlic. I seperate the cloves and plant about 6" deep 6" apart in rows 12" apart, in the fall about 3 weeks before a killing frost. That is usually in the first week of November. It requires full sun, lots of water and rich soil. Frequent weeding and is ready mid to late july. I then pull it out of the ground, wash the dirt off, cut off the tops and roots and dry for a week on my drying rack. I then put it in onion bags and hang in my garage for further drying and usage.

[Jogeephus]

Thanks, do you think it could be used in leek sausage.

[Big Guy]

Thanks, do you think it could be used in leek sausage.

I think its quite a bit stronger than leeks but It might be excellent too. You can't have too much garlic. LOL

[Snags]

My dad has had some in his garden for over 20 years ,just planted one head.
Its a great plant he uses it as you would use leeks or spring onions.

[Jogeephus]

Thanks, I don't think I can grow leeks here but I know I can grow these so I'll give them a try. Been wanting to expand my spice selection.

[NCPaul]

I grow leeks in NC and you should be able to get them to grow in GA. Early in the Spring, dig a 6-8" trench to start them in and add dirt to it as they grow to maximize the white portion. If you have good luck with onions, you'll be fine with leeks. Garlic will also do well where you live, my dad used to grow it when he lived outside of Atl.

[Sam Newman]

Hi I have been growing elephant garlic for 12 years. I realy like it. It's actually in the onion family and make for great roasting. especially those big singles you get popping up. Pick the flower heads just before they open, they taste great steamed and served with butter and pepper. I make soup with this variety and use lots of it as boiling takes away most of the hottness. It is quite mild anyway. So yes. Use instead of or aswell as leaks. Hope thats some help to you. Sam.

[Sam Newman]

Just planted my Elephant Garlic. Most people plant on the shortest day here (mid winter), but I like to plant at the end of summer. I get nearly a whole year of growth this way. Big Fat bulbs! Lots of water in the dry time is the trick. Also heavy feeding and well mulched.
My theory is, "If it can grow now, it must be ready to sow."
I have a beautiful little microclimate in the valley where I live, so I do have an advantage there. It's a real heat trap and we very rearly have a drout. Happy planting to all the Spring time planters in the other side of the world.

[ChickenJane]

I've grown E G on & off for years. It's actually much closer related to Leek that it is to true Garlic. The yields, as several correspondents have noted, are very good.
My problem is that some years it has a funny slightly bitter & not very nice under flavour that comes out a few seconds after the initial 'YUM'.
Has anyone else noticed this? & if so, any explanation???

[Slarti]

I noticeed that when I used it in the past, as well, Jane. That, along with the lack of intense flavour that normal garlic has, is the reason I grow regular garlic only these days.

It's a pity, as the huge cloves are so much more convenient.

Is sulphur content the answer to your other question? It is still evident even when nicely roasted.