Garlic is one of the most popular and versatile crops grown in gardens around the world. Not only does it enhance the flavor of nearly every dish, but growing garlic can be an incredibly satisfying and rewarding experience. However, knowing when and how to harvest garlic is key to ensuring the best flavor, long shelf life, and high-quality bulbs. Similarly, garlic scapes—those curly flower stalks—are often overlooked but are a delicious addition to the harvest and offer their own unique flavors and culinary uses.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about when to harvest garlic, how to do it correctly, and why it’s important. We’ll also discuss how to harvest garlic scapes, why you should, and how to enjoy them in your cooking.
Why Timing Matters for Harvesting Garlic
Garlic is a long-growing crop, taking several months to reach maturity, depending on the variety and local climate. While it’s tempting to pull your garlic up as soon as you see a few yellowing leaves, patience is essential. Harvesting at the wrong time can lead to bulbs that are underdeveloped, lack flavor, or don’t store well. Timing is critical not only for the garlic bulbs but also for the garlic scapes, which are a bonus harvest that can help your garlic grow better and taste even better.
Properly timing your garlic harvest also ensures that your garlic has the chance to cure and store well for months to come. Curing garlic is the process of drying it after harvest to develop its full flavor and prepare it for storage.
When to Harvest Garlic
Garlic is usually ready to harvest between mid to late summer, depending on when it was planted. Here are the primary indicators that your garlic is ready to be pulled from the ground:
1. Leaf Color and Condition
The most important sign that garlic is ready to harvest is the condition of its leaves. Garlic typically has green foliage that starts to yellow and brown as the plant matures. When about 50-60% of the leaves have turned yellow or brown, it’s usually the right time to harvest. The remaining green leaves are still providing nutrients to the bulbs, but once they start dying off, the garlic has reached its full size.
If you wait too long to harvest garlic, the bulb’s outer skin can break down, leading to a garlic bulb that is more susceptible to disease and rot. However, harvesting too early can result in small, underdeveloped bulbs with poor flavor. So, watching the leaves and timing your harvest is crucial.
2. Flowering Stage (Scapes)
In some garlic varieties, especially hardneck types, the plants will produce a flower stalk called a garlic scape. These scapes typically appear when the plant is about 30-45 days away from maturity, and while they may seem like they’re part of the garlic bulb, they should actually be removed before they flower.
Garlic scapes play an important role in the plant’s development. If left on the plant, they divert energy away from the bulb, resulting in smaller cloves. So, it’s best to cut off the scapes early to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing large, flavorful bulbs.
Garlic scapes are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes, so even though they’re removed for the sake of the bulb, they’re a delicious bonus!
3. Soil Conditions
The soil around garlic bulbs will also give you clues about whether they’re ready for harvest. If the soil has become very dry, this could be an indication that the garlic is nearing readiness. Garlic prefers slightly dry conditions at the time of harvest, but it’s still important to water gently up to harvest time to avoid stressing the plants too much. If you have a high water table or the soil stays moist for an extended period, this could delay the garlic’s readiness and result in smaller, softer bulbs.
4. Bulb Size
If you’re unsure about when to harvest, one method is to dig up a garlic bulb and examine its size. Dig carefully, pulling up just one or two bulbs to check. If the bulbs look large and plump, and the cloves are firm and fully formed, your garlic is likely ready for harvest. If the bulbs are still small or soft, wait a little longer.
How to Harvest Garlic
Once you’ve determined that your garlic is ready, it’s time to harvest. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are some important steps to follow to ensure the best outcome.
1. Loosen the Soil
Garlic is typically grown in soil that is easy to work with, such as loose, well-drained soil. To harvest, begin by loosening the soil around the garlic bulbs. Use a garden fork or hand trowel to carefully lift the soil without damaging the bulbs. You don’t want to pull the garlic up by its leaves, as this can cause the plant to break or damage the bulb.
Gently loosen the soil around the garlic’s base until you can pull the bulb free from the ground.
2. Pull the Bulbs
Once the soil has been loosened, grasp the base of the garlic stalk and gently pull the bulb from the ground. Be sure not to pull too hard, as the garlic bulb should come up relatively easily. Avoid pulling the garlic by the stems, as this can lead to broken necks or damaged bulbs.
3. Cure the Garlic
After harvesting, it’s important to cure the garlic before storing it. Curing allows the bulbs to dry out and form a protective skin that helps them last longer. To cure garlic, hang the bulbs in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area for about 2-3 weeks. A shed, barn, or well-ventilated garage can work well for this purpose.
If hanging isn’t an option, you can also lay the bulbs on a drying rack or place them on a clean surface. Be sure the bulbs aren’t touching each other, as this can lead to rot or mold. During curing, avoid direct sunlight, which can damage the garlic.
Once the garlic is cured, trim the roots and stems, leaving about an inch of the stem attached to the bulb. At this point, your garlic is ready for storage.
4. Store Your Garlic
Garlic should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. The ideal temperature for storage is around 60-65°F (15-18°C). A hanging basket, mesh bag, or breathable crate works well for storage. Avoid storing garlic in plastic bags, as this can cause moisture to build up and lead to mold growth.
Hardneck garlic typically has a shelf life of about 4-6 months, while softneck varieties can last up to 8-10 months.
How to Harvest Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are an important part of the plant’s life cycle, but they can be removed early to help the garlic bulb grow larger and stronger. Additionally, garlic scapes are edible and can be used in cooking.
1. Timing the Harvest
Garlic scapes should be harvested when they begin to curl into a spiral. This typically happens in late spring or early summer. The scapes are tender at this stage, and removing them encourages the garlic plant to focus its energy on bulb development.
Don’t wait too long to harvest, as the scapes become tougher and less flavorful as they mature. Once the scape curls, it’s time to cut it off.
2. How to Harvest Scapes
To harvest garlic scapes, use a sharp pair of garden shears or scissors to cut the scape at its base, just below the curly tip. Be careful not to damage the rest of the plant while cutting.
Garlic scapes can be used in many dishes, such as stir-fries, pesto, salads, or as a garnish for soups and meats. Their flavor is mild yet garlicky, making them a great addition to many meals.
Conclusion
Harvesting garlic and garlic scapes at the right time is essential for ensuring the best quality bulbs and maximizing your harvest. By paying attention to the signs of maturity and following proper harvesting techniques, you can enjoy flavorful, long-lasting garlic that will enhance your meals for months to come. Plus, don’t forget to make the most of your garlic scapes, which can be a delicious bonus that adds even more flavor to your kitchen.
Have you harvested garlic or scapes before? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s grow more garlic together!
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