Topic: Elephant Garlic

[barkingdog]

I thought I'd try growing some elephant garlic this year after all the positive comments on A4A.

I planted the cloves about a month ago and still no sign of them...do they take a long time to shoot? Incidentally I planted some 'normal' garlic in the same bed and this up to about 3 inches!

What have I done wrong...or am I just being impatient (as usual!)?

barkingdog

[Robert_Brenchley]

Mine isn't up either. Just be patient; it'll surface in its own good time. The important thing is that you got in in early enough to get the maximum growth. Meanwhike, it'll be busy making a root system.

[Mrs Ava]

Mine that was left behind when I first grew it is romping away, but I don't dig it, I leave it for flowers as the bees go crazy for it in late spring.  Those that I planted on purpose for the kitchen are only just slightly poking through - the regular stuff is way through.

[OliveOil]

mine came up after about 6 weeks.. BUT only 5 out of 8 cloves came up so a bit peeved! LOL

[Trixiebelle]

I planted mine about 6 weeks ago and they're sprouting (and being trampled on by the ducks!)

I wouldn't worry too much about them not sprouting ... as far as I can tell it's probably better if they DON'T. I've got a few tubs of bulbs/spring flowers etc that are showing signs of trying to sprout already. Totally un-natural and probably a sign of global warming? It worries me :(

[manicscousers]

getting a bit worried about ours, they're about 3 " tall now  :)

[Robert_Brenchley]

A lot of alliums do come up in the sutumn, and in some cases, such as overwintering onions, it's vital that they do. It doesn't seem to matter with garlic or elephant garlic though. I planted mine in December last year, they didn't show till spring, and then they shot up.

[miniroots]

Me and a friend shared a pack of garlic - planting at the same time;  hers is is sprouting in Kent; mine is showing no signs in Manchester - I'm assuming it's a climate thing.

The pointy end does go down, doesn't it?

(lol)

[OliveOil]

pointy end goes up doesnt it??? ???

[barkingdog]

thanks for all the replies. I had a sneaky peak  ;) at one and it has loads of roots, so just me being impatient again!

cheers!  barkingdog

[saddad]

Didn't get mine in until spring last year and was disappointed...
have missed the boat again this year!
 :-[

[Robert_Brenchley]

No you haven't; I put mine in in December last year and got excellent bulbs. Don't leave it till spring though; I think they really do need the time building up the root system, not to mention needing a cold period to initiate cloving. I assume that applies to heffalump garlic the same as the normal sort.

[kitten]

I hope not saddad i've just planted mine today! It's my first attempt so fingers crossed!