Type
large-cloved, not true garlic
Garlic variety
Elephant Garlic Garlic
A leek relative grown like garlic, with very large mild cloves. It is popular for size and gentle flavor rather than classic pungency.
Best for
large cloves, mild flavor
About Elephant Garlic
Elephant Garlic is not a true garlic but a leek relative that forms very large bulbs with huge cloves and a mild garlic flavor. It is useful for gardeners who want impressive size and a gentler taste rather than strong heat.
Growing Elephant Garlic Garlic
Space it more generously than true garlic because the plants and bulbs get large. Plant in fall in most regions, and harvest when the foliage begins to die back, but do not expect the same storage life or flavor intensity as hardneck garlic.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all garlic, see the complete guide.
How to grow GarlicOther garlic varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.