Russian Giant
The classic elephant garlic for UK gardens. Produces very large bulbs with a mild, sweet flavour and stores well over winter. Reliable in most soils, as long as they are not waterlogged.
When to plant Elephant Garlic in Birmingham
Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum
A hardy allium grown from planting cloves, not true seed. Use named planting stock, not supermarket bulbs. It does best in a sunny, free-draining bed. Autumn is the main crop. Lift the following summer.
120 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Birmingham · last frost ≈ 27 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Plant cloves in a prepared bed. They sit through winter and bulk up for harvest the following summer.
01
Prepare the Bed
30 Oct to 13 NovDig the bed over around 30th October - 13th November. Work in garden compost or well-rotted manure. The soil must drain freely.
02
Plant Cloves
30 Sept to 13 NovUse named planting stock, not supermarket bulbs. Plant cloves during 30th September - 13th November, pointed end up, with the tip about below the surface. Space apart, in rows apart. Water only if the soil is dry.
- Birds pull cloves. Cover the row with fleece or mesh until they root.
03
Keep Weed Free
30 Sept to 12 May 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 30th September to 12th May 2027, keep the row clear of weeds. Water only in dry spells.
04
Harvest Bulbs
28 Apr to 16 Jul 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageLift the bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and collapse, from 28th April 2027 to 16th July 2027. Ease them up with a fork. Dry them in a warm, airy place for two to three weeks before storing.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Elephant Garlic to consider
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