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 Edinburgh
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 Edinburgh · last frost ≈ 4 May
| 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 | No | 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
16 Oct to 30 OctDig the bed over around 16th October - 30th October. Work in garden compost or well-rotted manure. The soil must drain freely.
02
Plant Cloves
16 Sept to 30 OctUse named planting stock, not supermarket bulbs. Plant cloves during 16th September - 30th October, 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
16 Sept to 28 Apr 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 16th September to 28th April 2027, keep the row clear of weeds. Water only in dry spells.
04
Harvest Bulbs
14 Apr to 2 Jul 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageLift the bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and collapse, from 14th April 2027 to 2nd 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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