Elephant Garlic

 

I planted some elephant garlic in tubs for the first time and most of them
have grown the way I expected. However one of them has thrown up a large
spike with what looks like a flower bulb on top.

My first question is should I nip it off or is it OK to leave it?

Secondly, I pulled one up and the central bulb had small bulbs around it.
Does this mean they are ready to harvest or could I leave it a bit longer?

Thanks.

--
Chris H,
He's predictable, but that's to be expected.
Please remove the numbers to reply

 



The spike will form "topset" bulbils, which will steal energy from the main
bulb.  Best to cut it off.

Wait until most of the top growth has turned brown.  The small offset bulbs
can be planted, but they'll take an extra season to grow a full-sized bulb.

Personally, I've given up on Elephant Garlic.  Not fully winter-hardy in my
Northeastern U.S. location without heavy mulch, and flavor more like leek
than garlic.  But well-grown it sure makes big bulbs!


Gary Woods AKA K2AHC- PGP key on request, or at home.earthlink.net/~garygarlic
Zone 5/6 in upstate New York, 1420' elevation. NY WO G

 

Gary Woods wrote:

Thanks.


Mines a bit like a fiery onion. I tried a bit raw and it nearly blew my head
off!

--
Chris H,
He's predictable, but that's to be expected.
Please remove the numbers to reply