Elephant garlic bulbs are becoming an increasingly popular item for home gardeners and cooks. Their large size, mild flavor, and easy growth make them a unique and tasty addition to any kitchen. If you’re interested in planting elephant garlic this season, here’s where you can find bulbs for sale.
What is Elephant Garlic?
Elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum) is a close relative of the traditional garlic bulb we all know. It’s sometimes called “giant garlic” thanks to its large size – a single bulb can reach up to 4 inches wide and weigh over half a pound!
Despite its name and appearance, elephant garlic is actually more closely related to leeks than regular garlic. It has a milder, more garlicky flavor than regular garlic. The cloves and bulbs also have a larger size and juicier texture when cooked.
Benefits of Growing Elephant Garlic
Part of elephant garlic’s appeal is how easy it is to grow. Elephant garlic bulbs thrive with minimal care and maintenance. Once planted, they typically only need watering 1-2 times per week
They also have fewer pest and disease problems than regular garlic. You can harvest the tender young greens (“scapes”) in early summer and full mature bulbs in mid-to-late summer. One planted bulb will multiply into an entire head of 4-8 cloves by harvest time.
The milder flavor makes elephant garlic more versatile in cooking. It can be used raw in dishes like dips, dressings, and marinades. When roasted or sautéed, the mellow sweetness nicely balances other ingredients without being overpowering.
Where to Buy Elephant Garlic Bulbs
Elephant garlic bulbs can be purchased from a few different sources
Online Seed Companies
Reputable online seed sellers offer elephant garlic bulbs in various sizes. RareSeedscom sells 1 pound bags of 6-12 bulbs for planting Burpee and Gurney’s also carry elephant garlic bulb kits or bundles.
Buying online allows you to shop from a wider selection of heirloom varieties like ‘Lorz Italian’, ‘Transylvanian’, or ‘Sicilian Giant’. Prices range from $20-$30 per pound.
Local Nurseries or Garden Centers
Many independent nurseries and local garden stores sell individual elephant garlic bulbs or value packs. The selection may be more limited to just generic “Elephant Garlic”. But you can hand pick each bulb for health and freshness.
Pricing is usually in the $2-$5 range per bulb depending on bulb size. Call ahead or check websites to see current availability.
Farmer’s Markets or Farm Stands
In areas with vibrant farmer’s markets, small-scale garlic growers may offer elephant garlic bulbs. This is a great option to support local agriculture and businesses. You can also inspect bulbs in person rather than trusting shipping.
Vendors at farm stands also frequently sell elephant garlic harvested right from their fields. Price and selection will vary. But farmer’s markets let you buy just what need for your planned patches without purchasing excess.
Online Marketplaces
Websites like eBay, Etsy, and Craigslist allow individuals and small farms to sell produce directly. Search for “elephant garlic bulbs” to find listings.
Pricing on these platforms tends to be more affordable – often $3-$8 per bulb. However, product quality and seller reliability can be hit or miss. Be sure to check reviews and shop from highly rated sellers only.
When to Plant Elephant Garlic
Elephant garlic is planted in the fall for harvest the following summer. The ideal planting window is 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes in your area. Late October to late November is typical for most northern climates.
In warmer southern regions, aim to plant elephant garlic in December-February. Make sure bulbs get 1-2 months of cool soil temperatures below 40°F to trigger sprouting when soil warms in spring.
Store bulbs in a cool, dry spot until your planting date. Avoid early planting or sprouted bulbs that may be stressed by summer heat before maturing.
How to Plant Elephant Garlic Bulbs
Pick a sunny spot in your garden with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Elephant garlic thrives in loamy beds amended with compost. Areas that get full sun most of the day are ideal.
Separate bulbs into individual cloves, leaving skins intact. Plant the cloves root-side down, 4-6 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart. Arrange them in rows spaced 10-12 inches apart.
Backfill soil and gently tamp it down. Water thoroughly after planting. Add 2-3 inches of mulch over beds to retain moisture and insulate during winter months. Drip irrigation will make watering easier through the growing season.
Ongoing Elephant Garlic Care
Elephant garlic care is minimal once planted:
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Water 1-2 inches per week – More during hot, dry periods. Let soil dry between waterings.
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Weed beds regularly – Avoid competition, especially when plants are young.
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Use nitrogen fertilizer – Apply a 5-10-10 balanced fertilizer monthly.
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Harvest scapes – Removing the curly flower stalks in early summer directs energy into the bulbs.
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Cure bulbs after harvest – Let them dry for 2-4 weeks in a warm, ventilated area before storage or use.
With proper planting and care, each clove will produce one large, flavorful elephant garlic bulb at summer’s end!
Get Planting!
Adding elephant garlic to your garden is a fun way to expand your culinary horizons. Their unique, mild sweetness makes them viable in more raw preparations and recipes.
Now that you know where to source bulbs and how to plant them, it’s easy to incorporate elephant garlic into your garden. A little time and care will yield an abundant harvest you can enjoy for months to come.
About Us
Shadybrook Garlic began in 2020, when we, Ethan and Wendy, moved to a farm in North Plains, Oregon with our 8 month old, Leah. We planted our first field of elephant garlic that fall in our front yard. Fueled by pizza and beverages, our friends and family members have helped us along the way. Summer 2021, we added twin babies to the team, Tori and Saige! Along with our friend and partner, Tim, we focused on refining our methods and cultivating a 1/8 acre plot. 2022 brought exciting times as we expanded to 1 full acre. We doubled in size for the 2023 season, growing two acres. We are motivated by our children to keep our fields free of harsh chemicals and use the most sustainable methods possible.
Follow us on Instagram for a closer look into elephant garlic farming with our crazy crew of toddlers.
Family-Grown
Growing Elephant Garlic for GIANT Sized Bulbs
FAQ
What time of year do you plant elephant garlic?
When to Plant: Plant 2 weeks before the first frost date in fall and overwinter throughout the spring. Plants can tolerate cold temperatures and will do best when overwintered. In warmer climates, it can also be planted in late winter/early spring. However, bulbs will not usually be as big as when planted in fall.
Is elephant garlic worth growing?
Then you might find elephant garlic (allium ampeloprasum) a fantastic substitute. This hardy allium does well in the tropics & subtropics where the winters are rarely cold enough to grow a good garlic crop. Elephant garlic has huge cloves with a mild flavour that are easy to peel & even easier to grow.
When to buy elephant garlic?
By late June, you should have your own ripe Elephant Garlic, ready to be harvested and eaten. Green Elephant Garlic is available now from the Newchurch shop and on our website. Our seed Elephant Garlic can be ordered from the website, ready to be delivered in September.
Is elephant garlic as good as regular garlic?
Because the flavor is less intense, elephant garlic isn’t a suitable replacement for regular garlic in applications where the flavor is meant to be very strong or robust. It can, however, be a great addition to a dish when a sweeter, more subtle flavor is needed.
How long do elephant garlic bulbs last?
Store them where they will remain at around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and no more than 50 percent humidity. Under these conditions, they can keep for roughly eight to 10 months. There are no cultivars of elephant garlic. You might see it offered as hardneck or softneck, but both types will produce similar bulbs.
How much do elephant garlic bulbs weigh?
Enormous bulbs weigh up to 1 lb.! Has a milder, mellower flavor. Elephant garlic prefers a long, cool growing season and is best planted in early fall. The larger the planted clove, the larger the bulb it will produce, and these cloves are huge. You’ll harvest enormous bulbs that are up to 4″ wide and 3″ long! Delicious mild flavor.
When should elephant garlic be planted?
Elephant garlic prefers a long, cool growing season and is best planted in early fall. The larger the planted clove, the larger the bulb it will produce, and these cloves are huge. Youll harvest enormous bulbs that are up to 4″ wide and 3″ long!
Does elephant garlic taste like harneck?
Elephant garlic looks and tastes like a mild harneck type, but it is actually a type of leek. While it is known for its impressive size and mild, yet delicious, flavor, this plump plant produces bulbs that commonly weigh a pound or more, averaging about 4-7 cloves per bulb.
How good is elephant garlic?
Read reviews for Garlic, Elephant 4.0 Quality of Product, average rating value is 4 of 5. 3.4 Value of Product, average rating value is 3.4 of 5. These arrived in great condition. And planted and can’t wait to see what they produce. Helpful? Elephant garlic prefers a long, cool growing season and is best planted in early fall.
Are there different types of elephant garlic?
There are no cultivars of elephant garlic. You might see it offered as hardneck or softneck, but both types will produce similar bulbs. Elephant garlic plants prefer to grow in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.