At Mai Kai, we believe our māra kai is not just a source of food, but a place of joy, learning, and deep connection to the whenua. This beautiful guide to growing elephant garlic was gifted to us by the ever-wonderful Carina — one of our favourite green-fingered whānau members, who gardens with heart, humour, and big doses of garlic magic.

Follow Carina’s steps for a strong, happy crop:

  • Plant pointy-end up, about 5cm deep in well-drained soil.
  • Space your cloves 15–20cm apart – they grow big, so give them room to shine!
  • Mix in compost or organic matter to boost fertility and help drainage.
  • After planting, water well and mulch with pea straw or similar to keep weeds down and lock in moisture.

“Elephants hate weeds,” says Carina. “Mulch helps keep these at bay and retains moisture.”

Growing On

Once planted, you’ll soon spot their green shoots emerging — a magical sight! As they grow, you might see scapes forming — the long, curly stems with flower buds.

You’ve got options:

  • Harvest the scapes for cooking — they’re delicious grilled, stir-fried, or made into pesto.
  • Leave them to flower — they attract bees and dance in the breeze, adding beauty to your māra kai.

Some growers remove scapes to encourage bigger bulbs — but Carina loves to let them bloom for the bees. 🐝

Harvesting

  • Wait until the leaves start browning off, around December.
  • Harvest on a dry day, gently lifting bulbs with a fork.
  • Avoid bruising — they’re delicate giants.

Curing & Storage

To store your garlic through the year:

  1. Hang or lay out bulbs in a cool, dry, airy place (out of direct sun).
  2. Cure for 1–2 months until fully dry.
  3. Once cured, cut off leaves and roots, leaving a small neck.
  4. Store in a dry, dark place — they’ll keep for months.

Feeding Your Elephants

Carina recommends organic goodness like:

  • Seaweed or fish-based fertilisers
  • Blood and bone
  • Sheep pellets

Fertilise when you plant, and again in early spring. Phosphorus and potassium are especially helpful for strong bulbs. You can test your soil if you like — or just go with your gut!

Carina’s Final Wisdom

“Good luck and always remember: your garden is a happy space, filled with happy thoughts and strong energy. Your food will not only be abundant, but delicious too.”

– Carina 🧄🐘😊