Elephant Garlic is not a true garlic but a variety of leek, Allium ampeloprasum, grown for its enormous garlic-like bulbs. It produces very large bulbs with a few oversized cloves, each many times the size of true garlic cloves, and a much milder, sweeter flavor. Because it is botanically a leek, its taste is gentle and onion-like rather than sharply pungent, making it popular roasted or used where a subtle garlic note is wanted. It sends up a tall flower stalk and often forms small hard cormels around the base that can be replanted. Elephant Garlic prefers a long growing season and mild climate. Gardeners grow it for novelty and for its mild, versatile bulbs, though it is distinct from ordinary garlic.
Flavor Profile
Very mild and sweet, more like a gentle leek than sharp garlic, excellent roasted whole.
Visual Characteristics
Enormous bulbs with just a few oversized cloves, far larger than any true garlic.
Growing Tips
Botanically a leek needing a long, mild season; plant in fall and expect small cormels that can be replanted.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.