One important task when growing elephant garlic is knowing what to do with the corms. After the plant has gone through its growing cycle and the leaves have died back, it is time to harvest the corms. Harvesting elephant garlic is similar to harvesting regular garlic, but the corms are much larger and more substantial.
To begin, gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant using a garden fork or shovel. Be careful not to damage the corms as you dig them up. Once the corms are exposed, carefully remove them from the soil, being mindful of their size and weight. Shake off any excess soil and lay them out to dry.
Drying the corms is an important step in the process. Place them in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or covered porch, where they can air dry. This will help to cure the corms and prepare them for storage. It is important to handle the corms gently during this time to avoid any bruising or damage.
After a few weeks of drying, the outer layers of the corms will become papery and the roots will dry up. At this point, you can trim off any excess roots or foliage. It is also a good time to clean up the corms by brushing off any remaining dirt or debris. This will help to prevent any potential rot or disease during storage.
Once the corms are clean and dry, they are ready for storage. It is best to store elephant garlic corms in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Some gardeners prefer to store them in mesh bags or baskets to allow for airflow. Make sure to inspect the corms periodically during storage to check for any signs of spoilage or decay.
When it comes time to use your stored elephant garlic corms, you have a few options. One option is to plant them in the ground and grow more garlic. Elephant garlic is a perennial plant, so if you live in a suitable climate, you can continue to grow and harvest garlic year after year.
If you prefer to use the garlic for culinary purposes, you can break apart the corms into individual cloves and use them in cooking. Elephant garlic cloves are milder in flavor than traditional garlic cloves, so they can be used in a variety of dishes without overpowering the other flavors.
Harvesting and storing elephant garlic corms involves carefully digging them up, drying them, cleaning them, and storing them in a cool, dry place. From there, you can choose to either plant the corms for future growth or use the cloves in your cooking.
