Best garlic for big bulbs

joiannizPZvTOIZ

Hi, I planted garlic for the first time last October and they all successfully grew, but the bulbs were tiny. I harvested when the leaves had yellowed.

What is the best variety for bigger bulbs, or any growing tips to make them bigger?

I know about elephant garlic, but it’s not really garlic as far as I am aware.

Thank you.

philippasmith2

Have a look at the specialist Garlic bulb suppliers.  There are several.  
Soil conditions also play a part.
Some of the "large" bulbs don't always store as well as the other varieties so you may want to consider that aspect too.

a1154

I originally got mine from Marshalls, not sure which variety, sorry. They aren’t a specialist but they have a fair choice. I then put the biggest cloves back in each year and did end up with huge bulbs. 

Having moved house, they aren’t as big this year, so growing conditions matter.

I’d recommend elephant too, not sure why you think it’s not really garlic, it’s not as strong, but it’s definitely garlic. They came out massive at my previous house and I was delighted with them. 

anonagully

Look at buying your Garlic from the Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight very good as this is all they do. I bought mine last year planted in the autumn to grow thought the winter had a good crop a bit on the small size but I did not lose any. Hope this helps.

chicky

I grew garlic for the first time this year - a selection of autumn planted ones.  The only variety I will grow again is Messidrome - which produced good sized bulbs.  The others (can’t remember the varieties but they nearly all had Wight in the name somewhere) were disappointingly small and are very fiddly to cook with.