[Middle Eastern Gardener]

Hello,

Today I lifted our first attempt at Elephant garlic with mixed feelings.  I thought it would be bigger and with more cloves on them, they each seem to have three.  They are larger than regular garlic though.  My question though is, each bulb seems to have nodes on the bottom of it.  I hope the picture attached gives a good view.  Any ideas what these nodes are and what if any purpose they serve.  Or, had I left them in the ground longer, would they also have become cloves?  I’m really hoping someone has a pearl or two of wisdom for me.

Many thanks in advance

[JayG]

Don't grow elephant garlic myself, but here's a very recent thread on the subject:

https://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=132653.msg1535120#msg1535120

[DD.]

One important think to note, that is often overlooked by first time growers of Elephant Garlic, is that it is not true garlic. It has a very mild flavour and is a closer relative of the leek than garlic. I grew it once, then stuck to leeks.

[Middle Eastern Gardener]

One important think to note, that is often overlooked by first time growers of Elephant Garlic, is that it is not true garlic. It has a very mild flavour and is a closer relative of the leek than garlic. I grew it once, then stuck to leeks.

Thank you, I knew about the leek relationship but wanted to have a go anyway.  Depending on how we use it now will decide if we grow again.