Elephant Garlic is our garlic of choice on Rugged Root Farm. And if you have never tried to grow garlic, I highly recommend that you do. Growing garlic is about as low maintenance as it comes. It is hardy and has amazing flavor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is elephant garlic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

E<\/strong>lephant garlic (Alliumampeloprasum<\/em> var. ampeloprasum<\/em>) isn\u2019t actually garlic. Although it resembles a giant head of garlic, it isn\u2019t a true garlic.This hardy garlic<\/mark> is a perennial plant that is part of the onion genus. It is referred to a garlic because of how it grows. It has a hard neck stalk that flowers and has broad, flat leaves. This garlic is closely related to a leek. Elephant garlic has an wonderful mild garlic flavor and is perfect for cooked and uncooked dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Plant <\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Missouri, as well as most of the US, the best time to plant elephant garlic is in the fall about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to plant and grow garlic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is best to plant elephant garlic in nutrient rich loose soil. First, separate the individual garlic cloves right before planting. Plant the garlic with the pointing end up about 3-4 inches deep. Gently water the freshly planted garlic. Cover with the loose soil and cover with mulch or straw. This step keeps the soil insulated enough from the cooler temperatures and allow the garlic to start growing a bit before the ground freezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Growing Season<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Growing elephant garlic is incredibly low maintenance. Once it is planted, we just let it grow on it\u2019s own. The only thing we worry about is in the spring. We remove the garlic scapes from the top of the stalks of the garlic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Scapes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Elephant Garlic Scapes are the flower that comes from the center of the garlic stem. It is best to remove these when you see them. We pinch them off right where they come out of the stem. This allows the growth to happen in the garlic bulbs and not in the flower of the garlic. Consider using the scapes in your cooking instead of throwing them away. They are taste amazing! You can add them to soups, stir frys, salads, and many more things you want to add garlic flavor to. My favorite way to use garlic scapes is to make Pesto out of them. Yum!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in my garlic scape recipe click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harvesting Elephant Garlic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n