How to Grow Elephant Garlic in Pots and Raised Beds

Garlic thrives best in full sun and in soil rich with organic matter, while having proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, which could otherwise lead to fungal infections.

Garlic produces edible flower stalks (known as scapes ) which divert energy away from its bulbs, potentially leading them to shrink. As soon as these scapes appear, remove them immediately to preserve energy for bulb growth.

Fertilize

Planting cloves in autumn or spring will produce large bulbs over the course of one year and then divide into individual cloves; these oversized cloves are milder than true garlic, and more closely related to leeks than traditional garlic varieties.

Garlic plants need moderate soil fertility in order to get off the ground and remain large throughout their growing season. When planting garlic bulbs, work in organic material such as compost to loosen heavy clay soils before planting. A light application of high-nitrogen foliar fertilizer once every ten to two weeks during active growth periods should also be given; do not fertilize once bulbing begins as this can stop further expansion.

A thick layer of mulch will help prevent weeds from appearing near plants as they mature, but should be removed for harvest in order to allow more sun-light to warm the soil and boost germination.

Elephant garlic typically faces few problems from pests and diseases, though slugs may damage young plants in damp conditions. A layer of sand over the soil may help deter these critters. When ready to harvest, gently lift out plants from their beds with care not to damage their roots before brushing away any remaining soil and setting in a cool location for curing (from three to two months). Some growers tie garlic stems or leaves together and hang it from a tree branch while others use screens, trays, shelves or garages as an effective cure method for their crop.

Water

Elephant garlic requires a soil mix consisting of potting soil, compost and perlite or vermiculite for proper growth and drainage. A neutral pH level between 6.0 to 7.0 should also be achieved before planting begins.

When planting cloves, arrange them pointed end up and spaced 20-30cm apart. After planting, thoroughly water to settle the soil. Regular watering will keep plants free from weeds while still being able to flourish – once an inch of soil dries out it’s time for another watering session!

Garlic plants need regular and consistent fertilization starting in spring. Organic gardeners can side-dress their beds with some chicken manure or seed meal, or apply high-nitrogen foliar spray every ten to two weeks for best results.

As with other Allium species, elephant garlic is susceptible to fungal diseases which thrive in damp conditions, including Aphids, Bulb Rot and Fusarium Wilt. To combat such problems and maintain optimal soil drainage conditions and crop rotation practices for best results. Mulchs can help retain moisture, suppress weeds while controlling moisture loss as well as crop rotation can help.

When harvesting garlic bulbs, gently loosen them from the soil with a spade or garden fork and pull without causing damage to them. After being removed from their spot in a dark, dry location for several weeks prior to using or storing, bulbs can last for six months with proper storage conditions.

Weed

Garlic plants tend to attract weeds quickly, and keeping the area around them clear of weeds is especially essential when they’re young. This will allow them to develop large bulbs which will split into individual cloves with enough growing season. Elephant garlic produces flower stalks which draw energy away from the plant and should be cut so they don’t take up soil space. Harvest garlic when its leaves begin turning yellow or brown for extended storage time in cool dark environments like garages – harvest before leaves start turning yellow/brown! Store it for eight weeks!

Harvest

Elephant garlic’s large bulbs and cloves offer a milder flavor than its traditional counterpart, with subtle notes of leeks or onions. For optimal results, elephant garlic should be planted during autumn to allow its roots to reach maturity more rapidly and increase the odds of breaking off individual cloves into separate bulbs; however, planting it even later than that may still produce good results.

Harvesting this hardneck variety is relatively straightforward, though there are a few considerations you’ll need to keep in mind in order to protect its large bulbs and flower stalks from being damaged during harvesting. Don’t yank on the bulbs like other vegetables would; doing so could cause them to split and become soggy. Instead, use a digging tool or small shovel to loosen soil before gently levering up your crop from its bed.

If your garlic is ready to be harvested, its readiness should become apparent from its foliage color and stem browning. Furthermore, roots should start to separate at their bases – this process of curing takes up to two months! Once bulbs have been cured they should be stored in cool and dry environments with adequate air circulation in a single layer.