Elephant garlic is a close relative of the leek, yet it forms a spectacular elephant garlic bulb divided into several cloves. Its mild, aromatic flesh, significantly less pungent than that of common garlic, becomes tender and almost creamy after cooking.

The broad, green to bluish-green leaves form an imposing upright clump, sometimes topped with a tall flower stalk. Van Noort classifies it as an easy-to-grow crop, deer-resistant and suitable for zones 2 to 10. The product offers 1 or 3 cloves depending on the size selected, each capable of producing a new giant head.

To successfully grow elephant garlic, plant the cloves in the fall, four to six weeks before the last hard frost, in a sunny, well-drained location. Place each clove pointed end up, 8 cm (3 in) deep, with 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) between plants. Loose, deep, fertile soil enriched with compost promotes bulb growth. Water after planting, then cover the cooled soil with 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) of mulch. In the spring, weed early, maintain consistent moisture, and fertilize moderately before the bulbs begin to swell.