Allium ampeloprasum is a very variable species and has been treated in various ways in the past, with many subspecies and vars being recognized. Current classification in the 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families' (2016), treats it as one variable species, but does not recognize any subspecies or vars, Instead, it recognizes different cultivated groups of plants and, since all of these different forms, including the various cultivated forms, intergrade into each other, we are following this treatment here. We are, however, also including Babbington's Leek (Allium ampeloprasum babbingtonii) here as a separate subspecies since it is clearly distinct in its production of bulbils and therefore has a somewhat different range of uses[].

Common Name: Elephant Garlic

General Information

Allium ampeloprasum Elephant Garlic Group is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 6 - 9 leaves 10 - 30cm long sheathed around a flowering scape 45 - 180cm tall, growing from an underground bulb. The bulb divides and also produces bulbils, forming in time a cluster of plants[, ]. This is a cultivated form, producing a large bulb comprised of several large cloves.
Elephant Garlic is cultivated for its large bulb, comprised of several garlic-like cloves. The leaves and flowering heads can also be eaten, whilst the plant has a range of medicinal uses (it has an action rather like a mild garlic).

Known Hazards

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[].

Botanical References

,

Range

A cultivated form of Allium ampeloprasum

Habitat

Not found in the wild

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	1.80 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Prefers a dry position[]. Succeeds in clay soils[]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 8.3.
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. In mild winter areas the bulbs can be planted in the late autumn or early winter, producing their crop in early summer. Alternatively, the bulbs can be planted in the spring, ripening by late summer.
Elephant Garlic produces a large bulb that can be divided into a number of large, garlic-like cloves - these can be used like garlic but have a milder flavour[].
The plant is sometimes cultivated and is becoming more popular as a vegetable.
Removing the flowering head as soon as it starts to develop (or letting it grow 30cm or so tall before harvesing it for food) will usually result in more of the plant's energy going into making the bulb and therefore a larger bulb[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. The large bulbs have a mild garlic flavour[]. They are usually divided into several large cloves and used like garlic in cooked foods[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[]. A pleasant mild to strong garlic flavour, they are available from late autumn to the spring though they can become rather tough and fibrous as they get older[].

Flowers and young flowering stems - raw. A similar flavour to the leaves, tender and juicy when young but developing a somewhat dry texture as they age, when they are best used as a flavouring in cooked foods[].

Medicinal

This species has the same medicinal virtues as garlic, but in a much milder and less effective form[]. These virtues are as follows:-

Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where its fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved of benefit[]. The plant produces inhibitory effects on gram-negative germs of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group, indeed it possesses outstanding germicidal properties[] and can keep amoebic dysentery at bay[]. It is also said to have anticancer activity[]. It has also been shown that garlic aids detoxification of chronic lead poisoning[]. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have a very beneficial effect on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. For example, demographic studies suggest that garlic is responsible for the low incidence of arteriosclerosis in areas of Italy and Spain where consumption of the bulb is heavy[]. Recent research has also indicated that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of further heart attacks in myocardial infarct patients[, ]. Externally, the expressed juice is an excellent antiseptic for treating wounds[].
The fresh bulb is much more effective medicinally than stored bulbs, extended storage greatly reduces the anti-bacterial action[].
The bulb is said to be anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, stings, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator[, , , , , ].

Agroforestry Uses:

Allium species usually grow well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes[, , ]. They are, in general, bad companions for alfalfa - each species negatively affecting the other[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Other Uses

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the juice of most species in this genus (especially those with a strong onion or garlic smell) can be used as a moth repellent[].
The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[].

Propagation

Seed - this form of Allium ampeloprasum is usually propagated by dividing the bulbs, or planting the bulbils. However it can also be grown from seed, though the plants produced will be variable in the size of their bulbils.
The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, though it can also be sown in a cold frame in the spring[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Well-grown plants can be planted out into their final positions in late summer or the autumn, otherwise grow them on for a further year in pots and plant them out the following summer.
Division in late summer or early autumn. Dig up the bulbs when the plants are dormant and divide them into their individual cloves. They are best replanted immediately, either in the open ground or in pots in a cold frame, though they will also store for some months (preferably only divide the bulbs when you are ready to replant the cloves).
There are usually a number of small bulblets produced at the base of the larger bulb. These can be replanted immediately, or stored and replanted in the spring, They take two years of growth before producing a large bulb