# How to Grow Elephant Garlic in Pots and Raised Beds

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/how-to-grow-elephant-garlic-in-pots-and-raised-beds/
- Published: 2026-10-24T03:04:21-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

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.

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