Elephant Garlic (lb)

Elephant garlic planting stock comes from the broadleaf leek group, Allium ampeloprasum, rather than true culinary garlic. Cultivated for generations for its oversized bulbs and mild flavor, it bridges the kitchen qualities of leek and garlic. Choose Organic or Conventional stock for a dramatic, approachable allium that is easy to plant and prepare.

Mix & match savings. This item is eligible for the Garlic Mix & Match discount. Combine eligible seed garlic and shallots to save 10% at 3 pounds, 15% at 10 pounds, or 20% at 30 pounds. The discount is applied automatically in the cart.

Elephant garlic brings instant fun to the garden. Its broad leaves and oversized bulbs make an impressive display, while the mild flavor welcomes cooks who find true garlic too sharp. The jumbo cloves are easy for new gardeners and children to handle, and the plants can produce small corms around the main bulb for future propagation. Choose it when you want a conversation-piece crop that is just as enjoyable to harvest as it is to roast.

Elephant garlic tastes milder than true garlic, with gentle garlic, onion, and leek notes. Roast whole cloves until soft, slice them into gratins, add them to soups and stews, or grill them alongside vegetables. The generous clove size is convenient for recipes that use broad slices or a creamy roasted purée. Raw flavor can vary and may show a slightly bitter edge in some growing conditions.

When growing Elephant garlic, separate the bulb just before planting and give each large clove more elbow room than standard garlic. A deep, fertile, sunny bed supports the substantial foliage and bulbs. Keep moisture steady during active growth, but ease back as the lower leaves begin to brown. Lift the crop around early summer, save any corms if you would like to grow them on, and cure everything out of direct sun with generous airflow.

Variety Details

• Type: Broadleaf leek relative; not a true hardneck or softneck garlic
• Flavor: Mild garlic-onion flavor with leek-like character
• Bulbs & Cloves: Typically 5–6 cloves per bulb; bulb size and count vary with growing conditions
• Appearance: Large pale bulbs, broad leaves, and a substantial central stalk
• Planting Time: Fall
• Approximate Harvest: Early summer; timing varies by climate and planting date
• Zones & Climate: Zones 3–9
• Storage: Cure fully before holding in a cool, dry, ventilated place
• Something Special: Jumbo cloves and gentle flavor from a remarkable garlic look-alike

Compare Garlic Varieties

For planting and variety guidance, visit the Garlic Resource Center, use the Garlic Selector, or browse all Seed Garlic & Shallots. For a side-by-side look at flavor, type, harvest timing, and more, open the downloadable Fall 2026 Garlic Varieties Summary (PDF).