Taylors Bulbs 'Elephant Garlic' (2 cloves)

Elephant garlic produces some of the largest bulbs you can grow at home, often several times the size of an ordinary garlic head, with big, fat cloves and a milder, sweeter flavour. Despite its name, it is a close relative of the leek, and it grows into a handsome plant with broad, leek-like leaves. The cloves are excellent roasted whole, where they turn soft and mellow, and the flavour is gentle enough to use raw in salads and dressings. It is hardy and copes with damper ground better than ordinary garlic.

Plant in autumn, from September to November, in a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Separate the cloves and plant them pointed end up, about 10cm deep and 20–30cm apart so the bulbs have room to swell. Working in a general fertiliser before planting will improve the harvest, and a straw mulch helps protect autumn-planted cloves in exposed gardens. Elephant garlic can also be grown in large containers. If flower stalks appear in early summer, snap them off so the plant puts its energy into the bulb. Like all garlic, it is toxic to cats and dogs, so plant it where pets won't dig it up.

The bulbs are ready to lift in early to midsummer, once the leaves start to yellow and die back. Ease them out of the ground and leave them somewhere warm, dry and airy to dry for a couple of weeks before storing them in a cool, dry place. Keep a few of the largest cloves to replant next autumn.

Pack of 2 elephant garlic cloves. Each pack is checked before dispatch.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.