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 Perth
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 Perth · last frost ≈ 9 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 | No | 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
9 Oct to 23 OctDig the bed over around 9th October - 23rd October. Work in garden compost or well-rotted manure. The soil must drain freely.
02
Plant Cloves
9 Sept to 23 OctUse named planting stock, not supermarket bulbs. Plant cloves during 9th September - 23rd 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
9 Sept to 21 Apr 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 9th September to 21st April 2027, keep the row clear of weeds. Water only in dry spells.
04
Harvest Bulbs
7 Apr to 25 Jun 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageLift the bulbs when the foliage starts to yellow and collapse, from 7th April 2027 to 25th June 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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