Elephant Garlic

Elephant Garlic (Allium ampeloprasum): Giant Allium with Mild Flavor

Elephant garlic, despite its name, is more closely related to leeks than to true garlic. This impressive plant offers large, mild-flavored bulbs and is prized for both culinary use and ornamental value.

Growing 3-5 feet tall, elephant garlic produces large, strap-like leaves and impressive flower stalks topped with spherical umbels of pale purple flowers. The underground bulbs can reach sizes up to 4 inches in diameter, composed of several large cloves.

Elephant garlic has a milder, sweeter flavor compared to regular garlic, making it versatile in the kitchen. It can be used raw, roasted, or added to various dishes for a subtle allium flavor. It really shines roasted and a lot of sweetness emerges.

These plants prefer full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. They’re hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and are relatively easy to grow. Elephant garlic is typically planted in fall for harvest the following summer. It can be planted in spring as well.

At Humble Abode Nursery, we offer high-quality elephant garlic bulbs selected for size and flavor. Our stock is grown using organic practices to ensure healthy, vigorous plants.

Consider adding elephant garlic to your garden if you’re looking for an impressive allium variety, want a milder alternative to regular garlic, or are interested in its ornamental flower stalks.