Details
- Allium ampeloprasum
- Type: Neither hardneck nor softneck; it’s a type of leek
- Shape: ?
- Color: ?
- Maturity: ?
- Produces solid seed stalk which doesn’t always curl –
- Flower stalk should be cut off
- Very large flower cluster, but rarely opens fully and aren’t very fertile, thus propagation is primarily via clove
- Corms: very tough shelled cloves that form off the side and bottom of the main bulb. They can be planted, but must be soaked in water for several days before planting
- Produces solid seed stalk which doesn’t always curl –
- Size: in mild climates it can weigh up to 1 pound each
- Yield: ?
- Taste:
- Very mild flavor, which sharpens in cold climates
- needs to cure for at least 30 days before eating it
- uncured, or green, elephant garlic is bitter
- Disease or Environmental Tolerance:
- In some northern climates it doesn’t divide and it’s used much like pearl onions
Notes:
- Not truly in the garlic family, really is classified as a leek
- Also known as:
- Oriental garlic
- Ail d’orient
- Varieties:
- Leek group
- Kurrat group
- Great-headed garlic group
Sources: (where to buy)
Results from My Garden:
unimpressed with elephant garlic, as compared to regular garlic – just because of taste – and it doesn’t seem to grow as well here.
