How to Grow Elephant Garlic in the UK – Complete Planting and Harvesting Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to grow something really impressive on your allotment, elephant garlic is definitely a crop worth trying.

Elephant garlic produces enormous bulbs with huge individual cloves, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to grow in the UK when planted at the right time.

In fact, one clove of elephant garlic can sometimes be almost as large as an entire bulb of ordinary garlic!

And there’s something incredibly satisfying about planting one of those large cloves during autumn, watching it grow into a substantial plant and then digging up an enormous bulb the following summer.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I love growing garlic and elephant garlic on the allotment.

They’re fantastic crops to plant during autumn because they give you something productive to grow when many of the summer vegetables have finished.

However, elephant garlic is a little different from the ordinary garlic most gardeners are familiar with.

It needs considerably more growing space, produces broader leaves and can develop impressive flower stems.

Its flavour is also generally milder and sweeter than ordinary garlic, making it particularly useful for roasting and cooking.

And there’s another fascinating feature.

Elephant garlic can produce tiny, hard, underground offsets around the main bulb, which can be saved and grown on to create additional plants.

In this complete UK growing guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about planting elephant garlic, including the best months, soil preparation, spacing, watering and feeding.

We’ll also look at growing elephant garlic in raised beds and pots, what to do with the flower stems, how to harvest and store those enormous bulbs, and why your plants might produce a single round bulb instead of separate cloves.

Whether you’re trying elephant garlic for the first time or looking to improve your next harvest, this guide will help you get the best results.

What Is Elephant Garlic?

Elephant garlic is a bulb-producing plant with the botanical name Allium ampeloprasum.

Despite its common name, it isn’t the same species as ordinary culinary garlic.

It’s more closely related to leeks.

However, like garlic, it produces edible underground bulbs that can be separated into individual cloves.

Why Is It Called Elephant Garlic?

The name comes from its impressive size.

Elephant garlic bulbs can become considerably larger than ordinary garlic bulbs when growing conditions are favourable.

The individual cloves can also be enormous.

What Does Elephant Garlic Taste Like?

Elephant garlic has a mild, garlicky flavour.

It’s generally less pungent than ordinary garlic and can taste sweeter when roasted.

This makes it particularly useful if you enjoy garlic but prefer a gentler flavour.

Is Elephant Garlic a Perennial?

Elephant garlic is a perennial allium, but gardeners commonly grow it as a crop, harvesting the bulbs once they reach maturity.

Small offsets can also be replanted to produce future crops.

Is Elephant Garlic Easy to Grow?

Yes.

It’s generally an accessible crop for beginners, provided you choose a sunny position, allow plenty of space and avoid waterlogged soil.

Elephant Garlic vs Ordinary Garlic: What’s the Difference?

Although they look similar when harvested, the two crops have several important differences.

Feature	Elephant garlic	Ordinary garlic
Botanical relationship	Closer to leeks	Allium sativum
Bulb size	Often very large	Usually smaller
Cloves per bulb	Usually a few large cloves	Often more, smaller cloves
Flavour	Generally mild	Usually more pungent
Leaves	Broad, leek-like foliage	Narrower, flat leaves
Spacing	Around 25–30 cm	Around 15 cm
Flower stems	Can produce tall, rounded flower heads	Hardneck types produce scapes
Small underground offsets	Common on some plants	Not usually the same type of basal corms

Which Is Better for Cooking?

Neither is automatically better.

Ordinary garlic is ideal when you want a stronger garlic flavour.

Elephant garlic is excellent when you want large, mild-flavoured cloves, particularly for roasting.

Which Is Easier to Grow?

Both are relatively straightforward.

However, elephant garlic needs more room and a long growing season.

When Should You Plant Elephant Garlic in the UK?

October is one of the best months to plant elephant garlic in the UK.

Autumn planting gives the cloves a chance to establish roots and benefit from the seasonal cold before stronger growth begins in spring.

Planting in September

Some suppliers recommend planting elephant garlic from September onwards.

This can work where conditions are suitable.

However, don’t plant into excessively hot or dry soil without providing appropriate moisture.

Planting in October

October is an excellent choice.

The soil is usually still workable, and the cloves have time to begin establishing before winter.

Planting in November

November is another suitable month for many gardeners.

Plant when the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

Can You Plant Elephant Garlic in December?

Yes, if the planting stock and conditions are suitable.

Some UK suppliers recommend planting into December where frost and soil conditions permit.

Can You Plant Elephant Garlic in Spring?

It can be planted in spring, but autumn is generally preferable for producing large, divided bulbs.

Spring-planted cloves have a shorter growing season and may receive insufficient cold exposure.

As a result, they can produce smaller or single, undivided bulbs.

Why Does Winter Cold Matter?

Cold exposure helps many bulb-forming alliums develop correctly.

Elephant garlic benefits from the natural seasonal conditions provided by autumn planting.

Gardening with Ben tip: If you’re planning to grow elephant garlic, try to have the cloves ready for October. Don’t leave purchasing your planting stock until the following spring if you want the best chance of producing large bulbs.

Where Is the Best Place to Grow Elephant Garlic?

Elephant garlic grows best in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil.

Does Elephant Garlic Need Full Sun?

Yes.

A sunny position supports healthy leaf growth and helps the plant develop large bulbs.

Can Elephant Garlic Grow in Shade?

It may tolerate some light shade, but insufficient sunlight can reduce growth.

For the best results, choose the sunniest suitable part of your vegetable garden.

What Soil Does Elephant Garlic Prefer?

Ideally, choose soil that is:

• Fertile.
• Well drained.
• Rich in suitable organic matter.
• Free from serious compaction.
• Not excessively wet during winter.
• Clear of persistent weeds.

Can You Grow Elephant Garlic in Clay Soil?

Yes, provided the soil drains adequately.

Heavy clay soil that remains waterlogged throughout winter can cause problems.

Raised beds or large containers may be more suitable in these conditions.

Can You Grow Elephant Garlic in Sandy Soil?

Yes.

However, sandy soil may dry out quickly.

Adding mature garden compost can help improve moisture retention.

How to Prepare Soil for Elephant Garlic

Preparing your growing area before planting is one of the best ways to encourage healthy growth.

Step 1: Remove Old Crops

Clear any finished summer vegetables from the bed.

Remove unwanted roots and plant debris where appropriate.

Step 2: Remove Persistent Weeds

Get rid of weeds such as bindweed and couch grass.

These can compete with elephant garlic for water and nutrients.

Step 3: Check Drainage

Avoid planting in a location where water remains standing after rainfall.

Step 4: Improve Soil Structure

If your soil needs improving, incorporate mature garden compost or another suitable well-rotted soil improver.

Step 5: Avoid Fresh Manure

Fresh manure applied directly around planting cloves can create unsuitable growing conditions.

Use properly decomposed organic matter instead.

Step 6: Level the Soil

Use a rake to prepare a relatively even planting surface.

Step 7: Plan Your Spacing

Remember that elephant garlic needs more room than ordinary garlic.

Work out where each clove will go before planting.

How Deep Do You Plant Elephant Garlic?

Elephant garlic cloves are considerably larger than ordinary garlic cloves.

For most UK planting situations, follow the supplier’s instructions rather than assuming ordinary garlic depths will always be correct.

A useful general guide is to cover the pointed tip with around 2–5 cm of soil, depending on the size of the clove, soil texture and supplier instructions.

The whole clove will therefore sit deeper than the tip.

Which Way Up Does Elephant Garlic Go?

Plant with the pointed end upwards.

The flatter basal plate should face downwards.

Roots grow from the base.

What Happens If You Plant It Upside Down?

It may still grow, but the shoot has to redirect itself towards the surface.

Planting it correctly is the better option.

Should You Plant Very Deeply?

Avoid unnecessarily deep planting, particularly in heavy, wet soil.

Excessive depth can make emergence more difficult.

How Far Apart Should Elephant Garlic Be Planted?

Elephant garlic needs much more space than ordinary culinary garlic.

A good starting point is approximately 25–30 cm between cloves, with around 45–60 cm between rows if you have enough room.

Some suppliers recommend slightly closer planting, so follow your chosen variety’s guidance.

Why Does Spacing Matter?

Elephant garlic produces substantial leaves and large bulbs.

Crowding the plants can reduce airflow and increase competition for light, moisture and nutrients.

Can You Plant Elephant Garlic 15 cm Apart?

That’s the sort of spacing commonly used for ordinary garlic.

It can be unnecessarily restrictive for elephant garlic.

How Many Cloves Fit in a Raised Bed?

If you have a raised bed measuring approximately 1.2 m by 2.4 m, a practical layout could contain two rows of seven plants, giving around 14 plants.

The exact number depends on the bed dimensions, row placement and desired spacing.

What About Growing with Ordinary Garlic?

You can grow the crops near one another, but remember that elephant garlic needs more space.

How to Grow Elephant Garlic – Step-by-Step UK Planting Guide

Now let’s get planting.

This is the method I’d recommend for an outdoor allotment or vegetable garden.

Step 1: Choose Healthy Planting Cloves

Buy elephant garlic intended for planting from a reputable supplier.

Choose firm, healthy cloves.

Avoid cloves showing mould, decay or damage.

Step 2: Separate the Bulb

If you’ve purchased a whole bulb, carefully divide it into individual cloves.

Keep the protective papery skins intact where possible.

Step 3: Prepare Your Growing Area

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Remove weeds and improve the soil where necessary.

Step 4: Mark the Planting Positions

Allow approximately 25–30 cm between cloves.

If planting in rows, leave suitable space between them.

Step 5: Make Planting Holes

Use a trowel or dibber.

The holes should be large enough to accommodate the cloves without damaging them.

Step 6: Plant Pointed End Upwards

Place each clove into its hole with the root-producing base facing downwards.

Step 7: Cover Correctly

Cover the pointed tip with approximately 2–5 cm of soil, or follow the supplier’s specific recommendations.

Step 8: Firm Gently

Replace the soil and firm lightly.

Don’t compact the bed excessively.

Step 9: Water if Necessary

If the soil is dry, water after planting.

If it’s already moist from autumn rainfall, additional watering may not be required.

Step 10: Label the Bed

Include the planting date and crop name.

This is particularly helpful if you’re also growing ordinary garlic and autumn onions.

Step 11: Protect Against Disturbance

Birds and other animals may occasionally disturb newly planted cloves.

Install suitable wildlife-safe protection if necessary.

Step 12: Leave the Cloves to Establish

Avoid repeatedly digging around them.

Watch for shoots and keep the growing area reasonably weed-free.

Can You Grow Elephant Garlic in Raised Beds?

Yes.

Raised beds are an excellent option, particularly where normal garden soil is heavy or poorly drained.

What Depth Is Best?

For open-bottomed raised beds over suitable garden soil, approximately 20–30 cm of good growing medium can provide a useful start.

The roots can grow into the soil beneath.

For beds over a hard surface, provide greater effective root depth and proper drainage.

What Soil Mix Should You Use?

Choose a fertile, well-drained mix with suitable topsoil and mature organic matter.

How Many Plants Should You Grow Together?

Avoid overcrowding.

Allow approximately 25–30 cm between plants and sufficient room for leaves to spread.

Do Raised Beds Need Watering?

Yes, particularly during spring dry spells.

Raised beds may lose moisture more quickly than surrounding ground.

How to Grow Elephant Garlic in Pots

Elephant garlic can also be grown in large containers.

However, choose a generously sized pot.

What Size Pot Do You Need?

A container at least 30 cm deep and 30 cm wide is a useful minimum starting point for one clove.

A larger pot, around 35–40 cm or more in diameter, can provide better growing space and moisture stability.

How Many Cloves per Pot?

For a roughly 30 cm wide pot, grow one clove.

In much larger containers, you may fit more, provided the plants have adequate spacing.

What Compost Works Best?

Use good-quality peat-free potting compost.

A suitable soil-based potting mix can help stabilise large containers.

Should Elephant Garlic Pots Stay Outside?

Yes, suitable autumn-planted elephant garlic is normally grown outdoors.

It benefits from natural seasonal conditions.

What About an Unheated Greenhouse?

An unheated greenhouse can provide shelter from prolonged winter rain.

However, ensure sufficient ventilation and suitable seasonal temperatures.

How Often Should You Water Pots?

Check the compost regularly.

Water when needed, but don’t allow the roots to remain waterlogged.

Can You Grow Elephant Garlic on a Balcony?

Yes, provided the balcony gets plenty of sunlight and can safely accommodate the size and weight of the container.

What Does Elephant Garlic Look Like When Growing?

Elephant garlic produces large, broad, strap-shaped leaves.

Its foliage often resembles a substantial leek plant.

How Tall Does It Grow?

Under favourable conditions, elephant garlic may reach around 1–1.5 metres, particularly when flowering.

What Colour Are the Leaves?

The foliage is usually green to blue-green.

How Is It Different from Ordinary Garlic?

Ordinary garlic normally has narrower leaves.

Elephant garlic produces much broader foliage and often looks more imposing in the vegetable bed.

Does It Produce Flowers?

Yes.

Mature elephant garlic plants can develop impressive rounded flower heads on tall stems.

The flowers may be pale pink, lilac or whitish depending on the plant.

How to Care for Elephant Garlic During Winter

Autumn-planted elephant garlic spends several months growing through winter.

Does It Survive Frost?

Established elephant garlic is generally hardy in suitable UK growing conditions.

However, prolonged waterlogging can cause serious problems.

What Should You Do in December?

Check that the growing area drains properly.

Remove weeds where necessary.

What About January?

Expect slow growth.

The plants may have small green shoots or more established foliage.

Should You Feed During Winter?

Usually, winter feeding isn’t necessary.

Should You Water?

Outdoor plants typically receive enough moisture from rainfall.

Avoid watering already wet soil.

Do You Need to Cover Elephant Garlic?

Normal winter cold generally isn’t a problem for healthy established plants.

Use temporary protection only where conditions justify it.

What Is the Best Fertiliser for Elephant Garlic?

Elephant garlic benefits from fertile soil and balanced nutrition.

However, more fertiliser doesn’t automatically produce bigger bulbs.

Feeding at Planting Time

A properly prepared bed containing mature compost may already provide a good nutrient supply.

Feeding in Early Spring

As the plants become more active, supplementary balanced feeding may help if soil fertility is low.

Can You Use Chicken Manure Pellets?

Yes, but use them according to the product instructions.

Chicken manure pellets can supply nitrogen and other nutrients.

Avoid applying excessive amounts.

Is Onion and Garlic Feed Suitable?

A fertiliser formulated for allium crops can be useful.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can You Use Tomato Feed?

A potassium-rich feed may be appropriate in some growing situations, but tomato feed isn’t essential.

The crop needs balanced nutrition.

When Should You Stop Feeding?

Avoid unnecessary heavy nitrogen applications as the bulbs approach maturity.

Gardening with Ben tip: Concentrate on building good soil before planting, then assess the plants during spring rather than automatically feeding every week.

How Often Should You Water Elephant Garlic?

Elephant garlic needs moisture during active growth, but it doesn’t tolerate permanently saturated soil.

Autumn

Natural rainfall is often sufficient after planting.

Winter

Avoid unnecessary watering.

March and April

As leaves begin growing strongly, monitor soil moisture.

Water during prolonged dry spells.

May and June

Bulbs are developing, so avoid severe drought.

Before Harvest

As the foliage begins yellowing naturally and the bulbs approach maturity, reduce or stop watering.

Signs of Underwatering

Leaves may lose firmness and growth may slow.

Signs of Overwatering

Plants may yellow prematurely, and the roots or bulb may begin decaying.

Check soil moisture rather than watering to a fixed schedule.

What Are Elephant Garlic Scapes?

Elephant garlic can produce a tall flowering stem.

As it develops, a rounded flower head forms at the top.

Should You Remove Elephant Garlic Flower Stems?

If your main objective is producing large bulbs, removing the developing flower stem is a common practice.

This helps avoid the plant directing additional resources into flowering.

Are Elephant Garlic Scapes Edible?

Yes.

Young, tender flower stems from correctly identified elephant garlic can be used in cooking.

What Do They Taste Like?

They have a milder allium flavour and can be useful in stir-fries or other savoury dishes.

Can You Leave Some Flowers?

Absolutely.

If you’re growing elephant garlic for its ornamental appearance or to attract pollinators, you can leave selected flower stems.

Just remember that flowering may affect bulb development.

Are the Flowers Good for Bees?

Yes.

Elephant garlic flowers can attract bees and other pollinating insects.

When Is Elephant Garlic Ready to Harvest in the UK?

Most autumn-planted elephant garlic is harvested during summer.

June and July are common harvesting months, although some crops may mature later depending on growing conditions.

What Are the Signs of Maturity?

Look for:

• Lower leaves beginning to yellow.
• Older foliage turning brown.
• Reduced new growth.
• A well-developed bulb beneath the soil.
• Protective outer wrappers beginning to mature.

Should Every Leaf Be Brown?

No.

Waiting until every leaf has died back can mean the bulbs are overmature.

Can You Check a Bulb?

Yes.

Carefully lift one sample plant when you think harvesting time is approaching.

What Happens If You Harvest Too Early?

Bulbs may be smaller and less suitable for long storage.

What Happens If You Harvest Too Late?

The protective wrappers may deteriorate, and the cloves can begin separating.

How to Harvest Elephant Garlic Without Damaging the Bulbs

Because elephant garlic bulbs can be very large, harvesting carefully is important.

Step 1: Choose Suitable Weather

A period of dry weather makes harvesting and initial curing easier.

Step 2: Use a Garden Fork

Position the fork far enough from the plant to avoid piercing the bulb.

Step 3: Loosen the Soil

Gently lift the soil beneath and around the bulb.

Step 4: Lift Carefully

Avoid pulling the plant forcefully by its leaves.

Step 5: Remove Loose Soil

Gently brush away excess soil.

Step 6: Inspect the Bulb

Check for damage and signs of disease.

Step 7: Look for Small Offsets

You may discover little hard structures around the base of the bulb.

These can be elephant garlic corms, which can be saved for future planting.

Step 8: Move the Harvest into Suitable Drying Conditions

Place healthy bulbs somewhere sheltered, dry and well ventilated.

What Are the Little Brown Corms on Elephant Garlic?

This is one of the most fascinating parts of growing elephant garlic.

When you harvest a mature bulb, you may find small, hard, brownish structures attached around its base.

These are often called elephant garlic corms or cormels.

They’re vegetative offsets that can develop into new plants.

Are Elephant Garlic Corms the Same as Cloves?

No.

Ordinary cloves are the large sections inside the mature bulb.

Corms are smaller, separate structures that may form outside or around the main bulb.

Can You Plant Elephant Garlic Corms?

Yes.

However, they usually take longer to produce mature bulbs.

Why Are They So Hard?

Corms often have a tough outer covering.

This can delay or reduce sprouting.

Do All Elephant Garlic Bulbs Produce Corms?

Not always.

The number produced can vary.

How to Grow Elephant Garlic from Corms

If you’ve found small corms attached to your elephant garlic harvest, don’t automatically throw them away.

They can be useful propagation material.

Step 1: Collect Healthy Corms

Save corms from healthy plants.

Discard any showing decay or obvious disease.

Step 2: Clean and Inspect

Gently remove loose soil.

Avoid damaging the growing structures.

Step 3: Store Until Planting

Keep appropriately dried corms in suitable cool, dry conditions.

Step 4: Plant During Autumn

October or November can be suitable, depending on conditions.

Step 5: Choose a Nursery Area

A small, well-drained raised bed or suitable deep container works well.

Step 6: Plant at an Appropriate Depth

Because corms vary considerably in size, follow reliable propagation guidance.

For many small corms, planting roughly 2–4 cm deep can be a starting point.

Step 7: Allow Room for Growth

Space them several centimetres apart initially, with enough room to weed and manage the young plants.

Step 8: Be Patient

Some corms germinate slowly.

Their tough coverings can make emergence irregular.

Step 9: Grow the First Crop

The first growing season often produces a small single, undivided bulb called a round.

Step 10: Save and Replant the Round

Once mature, lift and cure the round.

Replant it at the appropriate time.

The next growing season may produce a larger bulb containing separate cloves.

How Long Does the Process Take?

It may take two or three growing seasons, sometimes longer, to develop large divided bulbs from small corms.

That’s why growing from ordinary large cloves is much quicker when you’re mainly interested in a harvest.

Why Has My Elephant Garlic Grown One Giant Clove?

Sometimes gardeners harvest elephant garlic expecting a bulb containing several cloves, only to discover one large, solid bulb.

This is called a round or solo bulb.

Is Something Wrong?

Not necessarily.

A round can be a normal part of the elephant garlic growing cycle.

What Causes Rounds?

Possible factors include:

• Small planting material.
• Growing from corms.
• Insufficient cold exposure.
• Late planting.
• Variety and plant maturity.
• Other growing conditions.

Can You Eat a Round?

Yes.

Healthy elephant garlic rounds are edible.

Can You Replant a Round?

Yes.

A healthy mature round can be saved for autumn planting.

With suitable conditions, it may produce a divided bulb the following summer.

Is It Worth Replanting?

Definitely, particularly if you want to multiply your elephant garlic stock.

How to Cure Elephant Garlic After Harvesting

Curing is important if you want to store your harvest.

Freshly harvested elephant garlic contains moisture that needs to dry before longer-term storage.

Step 1: Choose Somewhere Dry

A sheltered shed or covered, well-ventilated area is suitable.

Step 2: Provide Good Airflow

Arrange the bulbs so air can circulate around them.

Step 3: Avoid Prolonged Rain

Keep harvested bulbs protected from wet weather.

Step 4: Avoid Excessive Heat

A very hot, poorly ventilated greenhouse may damage the crop.

Step 5: Allow Several Weeks

Curing often takes approximately two to four weeks, depending on temperature and humidity.

Step 6: Check the Outer Wrappers

They should become dry and papery.

Step 7: Trim When Cured

Once the necks and wrappers are dry, trim roots and stems if desired.

Step 8: Store Appropriately

Keep the bulbs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.

Avoid sealed plastic bags.

How Long Does Elephant Garlic Store?

Properly cured elephant garlic may store for several months, although storage life depends on variety, harvest maturity and conditions.

Check bulbs regularly and use any that begin deteriorating.

Can You Save Elephant Garlic to Plant Next Year?

Yes.

If you’ve grown a healthy crop, saving some of the best bulbs or cloves for planting can be worthwhile.

Choose Healthy Bulbs

Select well-developed bulbs without signs of disease or damage.

Cure Properly

Allow them to dry thoroughly.

Store Carefully

Use suitable conditions until planting time.

Keep Cloves Intact

Separate bulbs into individual cloves closer to planting time where practical.

Avoid Diseased Material

Don’t save cloves from plants showing signs of serious disease.

Can You Become Self-Sufficient in Elephant Garlic?

You may be able to increase your planting stock over successive years by saving cloves and growing on healthy rounds and corms.

However, good plant-health practices remain essential.

Common Elephant Garlic Problems

Although elephant garlic is generally straightforward to grow, a few problems can affect your crop.

1. Yellow Leaves Too Early

Possible causes include waterlogging, drought, nutrient stress or disease.

2. Rotten Cloves

Excessively wet soil and certain diseases can cause decay.

3. Small Bulbs

These may result from insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, poor planting stock or unsuitable growing conditions.

4. Single Rounds Instead of Divided Bulbs

This can occur when growing from small corms or when seasonal conditions aren’t suitable for normal bulb division.

5. Rust

Orange-brown pustules on foliage may indicate allium rust.

6. Onion White Rot

Onion white rot is a serious disease affecting garlic, onions, leeks and related allium crops.

The pathogen can persist in soil for many years.

Avoid moving potentially contaminated soil or planting material.

7. Allium Leaf Miner

The larvae can damage foliage and internal plant tissues.

Suitable insect-proof mesh may help if installed before adult egg-laying.

8. Flower Stems Developing

This isn’t necessarily a problem.

However, removing developing flower stems may be appropriate if bulb size is your main priority.

9. Corms Failing to Sprout

Corms can have hard protective coverings and may germinate slowly.

10. Bulbs Not Storing Well

Harvesting at the wrong stage, bruising, poor curing or unsuitable storage conditions may reduce keeping quality.

Ten Common Mistakes When Growing Elephant Garlic

1. Planting too late. Autumn planting is generally best for developing large divided bulbs.
2. Using unhealthy planting material. Start with firm, suitable cloves.
3. Planting too closely. Elephant garlic needs more room than ordinary garlic.
4. Choosing a shaded position. Full sun encourages strong growth.
5. Using waterlogged soil. Good winter drainage is essential.
6. Applying excessive fertiliser. Balanced nutrients work better than constant heavy feeding.
7. Forgetting to water during spring drought. Adequate moisture supports bulb development.
8. Leaving every flower stem when bulb size is the priority. Consider removing some developing stems.
9. Harvesting too early or late. Check actual bulb maturity.
10. Throwing away healthy corms. They can be grown on over several seasons.

Month-by-Month Elephant Garlic Growing Calendar for the UK

Month	What to do
January	Check winter drainage and inspect the plants for damage.
February	Monitor early growth and remove persistent weeds.
March	Watch for stronger leaves and assess feeding needs.
April	Water during dry weather and keep beds weed-free.
May	Monitor bulb development and emerging flower stems.
June	Check soil moisture and watch for early signs of maturity.
July	Harvest mature bulbs and collect healthy corms.
August	Cure the harvest and prepare bulbs for storage.
September	Choose planting stock and prepare beds.
October	Plant elephant garlic cloves in suitable well-drained soil.
November	Continue autumn planting and monitor drainage.
December	Allow plants to establish and avoid waterlogging.

These timings are approximate and depend on weather, planting dates and growing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Elephant Garlic

Is elephant garlic easy to grow in the UK?

Yes. It’s generally straightforward when grown in full sun, fertile soil and good drainage.

When should you plant elephant garlic in the UK?

October is an excellent month, with autumn planting generally recommended.

Can I plant elephant garlic in November?

Yes. November can be a suitable planting month when the soil is workable.

Can elephant garlic be planted in spring?

Yes, but autumn is generally preferable. Spring planting may produce smaller or undivided bulbs.

How deep do you plant elephant garlic?

Follow the supplier’s instructions. A general guide is to cover the pointed tip with approximately 2–5 cm of soil.

How far apart should elephant garlic be planted?

Allow around 25–30 cm between cloves, with approximately 45–60 cm between rows where space permits.

Does elephant garlic need full sun?

Yes. Full sun is best for vigorous growth and bulb development.

How tall does elephant garlic grow?

Established plants can reach around 1–1.5 metres, particularly when flowering.

Can you grow elephant garlic in raised beds?

Yes. Raised beds can work particularly well where normal garden soil is poorly drained.

Can you grow elephant garlic in pots?

Yes. Use a generously sized container, ideally at least around 30 cm deep and wide for one clove.

Does elephant garlic need fertiliser?

It benefits from fertile soil. Additional balanced feeding may help if nutrients are insufficient.

Is chicken manure suitable for elephant garlic?

It can be used appropriately, but avoid excessive applications.

How often should you water elephant garlic?

Water when the soil needs moisture, particularly during dry spring weather. Avoid waterlogging.

Should you cut elephant garlic flower stems?

If you’re concentrating on large bulbs, removing developing flower stems is a common practice.

Can you eat elephant garlic scapes?

Yes. Young, tender scapes from correctly identified elephant garlic are edible.

What do elephant garlic flowers look like?

The plants can produce large rounded flower heads containing many pale flowers.

Is elephant garlic actually garlic?

It’s an allium more closely related to leeks than ordinary culinary garlic.

Does elephant garlic taste strong?

It’s generally milder and sweeter than ordinary garlic.

Why has my elephant garlic produced one giant clove?

You may have grown a single round rather than a divided bulb. This can happen with small planting material or unsuitable seasonal conditions.

Can you replant elephant garlic rounds?

Yes. Healthy rounds can be replanted in autumn.

What are the little brown bulbs attached to elephant garlic?

They’re commonly called corms or cormels and can be propagated to produce new plants.

How long do elephant garlic corms take to grow?

Often two or three growing seasons, sometimes longer, before they produce large divided bulbs.

When is elephant garlic ready to harvest?

Many autumn-planted crops are ready during June or July, although timing varies.

How long should elephant garlic dry after harvesting?

Allow approximately two to four weeks under suitable drying conditions.

Can elephant garlic be stored?

Yes. Properly cured bulbs can store for several months, depending on their condition and storage environment.

Final Thoughts: Why Elephant Garlic Is Worth Growing

Elephant garlic is one of those crops that can really surprise you when harvest time arrives.

From one enormous clove planted during autumn, you can eventually grow a substantial plant and harvest a bulb containing several impressive cloves.

It’s also a fantastic crop for gardeners who enjoy experimenting with different types of vegetables.

Not only can you grow it for the bulbs, but you can harvest young scapes for cooking and save the small corms that sometimes develop around the main bulb.

The most important thing is to plant at the correct time, give each plant plenty of space and avoid waterlogged soil during winter.

As spring arrives, monitor moisture and support healthy leaf development.

Then, when summer arrives and the leaves begin naturally yellowing, carefully check your bulbs before harvesting.

Once they’ve been properly cured, you’ll have delicious mild-flavoured elephant garlic ready to use in the kitchen.

If you’ve never grown elephant garlic before, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try on your allotment or in a large raised bed.

And when you harvest your first enormous bulb, you’ll understand exactly why it’s called elephant garlic!

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!