Garlic and garlic scapes are flavorful foods that can add a unique touch to various dishes. Garlic bulbs, which have a pungent aroma and robust flavor, are a staple in cuisines worldwide. On the other hand, the garlic scapes are curly green shoots that emerge from the garlic plant and offer a milder, more delicate garlic taste.
To maximize the flavor of garlic and garlic scapes, you should harvest garlic at the right time, during the garlic growing stages. Garlic bulbs are typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer, while garlic scapes are harvested earlier in the season.
Keep reading and learn how to tell when garlic is ready to harvest.
Table of Contents
What Part of the Garlic Plant Do You Harvest?
When harvesting garlic, the primary part you focus on is the bulb. This is the underground storage organ of the plant. The bulb is composed of individual cloves encased in a papery skin. To harvest, wait until the lower leaves of the plant have turned yellow and brown. Carefully dig around the bulb to avoid damaging it, and lift the entire plant out of the ground. Once harvested, the bulbs are typically cured for a few weeks in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area to extend their storage life.
How and When to Harvest Garlic?
In this part, we’ll learn how and when to harvest garlic.
When Do You Pick Garlic?
Typically, garlic is ready for harvest in mid to late summer, usually in July or August. The specific time also varies from climate and varieties. In warmer climates, garlic may mature earlier, while in cooler regions, it might take a bit longer. Besides, different garlic varieties also have different maturation periods. Hardneck varieties often mature slightly earlier than softneck ones.
When Do You Pick Garlic?
How Do You Tell When Garlic Is Ready to Harvest?
The best indicator to tell when garlic is ready to harvest is when about half of the plant's leaves have turned yellow and brown, while the top few leaves are still green. Usually, this means that the bulbs have reached their full size, but the outer layers are still intact. It’s important not to wait too long, as over-mature bulbs can split open.
To determine when garlic is ready to harvest, you should observe the plant’s conditions and consider the time since planting. You can tell when garlic is ready to harvest by referring to the following factors:
How to Tell When Garlic Is Ready to Harvest?
Leaf Condition
The most reliable sign that garlic is ready to harvest is when the lower leaves of the plant start to turn yellow and brown. This typically begins with the bottom leaves and progresses upwards. When about half of the leaves have turned yellow or brown, while the top few leaves are still green, it's time to harvest. This usually happens in mid to late summer.
However, in some cases, the leaves may start to collapse and fall over. This is another sign that the garlic bulbs are mature and ready to be dug up.
Soil Condition
Garlic bulbs are more likely to be ready for harvest during a period of dry weather. Wet soil can delay the harvest and make it more difficult to dig up.
Bulb Condition
If you’re not sure whether your garlic is ready, gently dig around one or two bulbs to check their size and condition. The bulbs should be plump and fully formed, with a tight outer skin.
Planting Time
Usually, you may plant garlic in the fall (October or November) and harvest them in the next summer. The time from planting to harvest generally ranges from 7 to 9 months.
Varieties
Different garlic varieties have different maturation times. For example, hardneck garlic varieties often mature slightly earlier than softneck varieties. To know the general time frame for harvest, you should see the specific variety you plant.
How Do You Pick Garlic?
After figuring out the right time to pick garlic, you can take the following steps to pick garlic. To harvest your garlic with ease, you’re advised to prepare a garden fork or trowel to loosen the soil around the bulbs. Meanwhile, you can wear gloves while harvesting garlic.
Now, let’s get started!
- Carefully insert the fork or trowel into the soil about 6 to 8 inches away from the base of the plant. Gently loosen the soil around the bulb without piercing it.
- Once the soil is loosened, gently lift the entire plant, including the bulb and the roots, out of the ground. Avoid pulling the plant by the leaves or stems, as this can damage the bulb.
- Check the bulbs for any signs of damage or disease. Gently brush off any excess soil from the bulbs.
- Tie the plants together in small bundles of 4 to 6 plants each. This helps with air circulation during the curing process. Then hang the bundles in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area, such as a shed, garage, or covered porch.
How to Store Garlic?
If you want to maintain the flavor and extend its shelf life, you should also learn how to store your garlic. Before storing garlic, allow the garlic to cure for 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the outer layers of the bulbs will dry out, and the necks will shrink. This process will help to dry out the outer layers and reduce the risk of rot.
How to Store Garlic?
The ideal storage temperature is between 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C), while the humidity is 50% to 70%. There are several methods for storing garlic.
- Mesh Bags: Store garlic in mesh bags, which can offer good air circulation. Then hang the bags in a cool, dry place.
- Baskets or Open Crates: Use baskets or open crates to store garlic. Ensure there is space between the bulbs to allow for air circulation.
- Pantyhose: Some gardeners use pantyhose to store garlic. Place a bulb in the toe of a pantyhose leg, tie a knot above it, and continue adding bulbs and tying knots. Hang the pantyhose in a cool, dry place.
- Paper Bags: You can also store garlic in paper bags with holes punched in them for ventilation.
How and When to Harvest Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots that emerge from the center of garlic plants. Differentiated from harvesting garlic, you can harvest garlic scapes in late spring or early summer, usually around early to mid-June.
When to Cut Garlic Scapes?
The best time to cut garlic scapes is when they have formed one or two full curls. This stage ensures that the scapes are tender and flavorful, and it allows the garlic plant to redirect its energy towards bulb development.
When to Cut Garlic Scapes?
When to Harvest Garlic Scapes?
You are ready to harvest garlic scapes when they have formed one or two full curls but before they start to straighten out. To determine when to harvest garlic scapes, look for specific signs in their growth and appearance.
- Curling: Scapes should be harvested when they have formed one or two full curls. This stage ensures that the scapes are tender and flavorful.
- Texture: The scapes should feel firm but not woody. If they start to feel tough or fibrous, they are past their prime for harvesting.
- Color: The scapes should be a vibrant green. Yellowing or browning indicates that they are over-mature and less suitable for eating.
How Do You Pick Garlic Scapes?
First of all, you should identify the garlic scapes - garlic scapes are long, green, and slightly curved stems that grow from the center of the garlic plant. When they are ready to harvest, prepare a clean, sharp knife or scissors, and gloves.
- Find the scape emerging from the center of the garlic plant. Then use your knife or scissors to cut the scape as close to the base as possible.
- In order not to damage the leaves or the plant, cut about 1 inch above the point where the scape emerges from the plant. Meanwhile, ensure not to pull the scape out by hand, as this can damage the plant and affect bulb development.
- After harvesting the garlic scapes, you can immediately cook them or store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
FAQs About Harvesting Garlic
By the end of the post, we’ll answer several FAQs about harvesting garlic.
What to make with a lot of garlic?
You can make many flavorful dishes with a lot of garlic. One classic option is to make garlic roasted potatoes, where you toss potatoes in olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs before roasting them to crispy perfection. Besides, you can pair garlic with pasta, such as in a simple yet delicious garlic and oil pasta, where sautéed garlic in olive oil is tossed with cooked pasta and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Can I leave garlic in the ground too long?
No, you are not supposed to leave garlic in the ground too long. If garlic bulbs are left in the ground for too long, they may start to split open and sprout from the cloves, which can ruin their storage potential. Also, if you leave garlic in the ground for extended periods, it can increase the risk of pests and diseases. This might negatively affect bulb size and quality.
How long do you let garlic dry after picking?
After picking the garlic, let it dry for about 3 to 4 weeks. This process is known as curing. It helps to extend the storage life of the garlic by allowing the outer layers to dry out and form a protective barrier against moisture and pathogens. The curing time can vary slightly depending on the humidity and temperature of your location. In humid areas, it might take up to 5 weeks or longer. During this period, the garlic should be kept in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Once the garlic is fully cured, the necks will feel dry and papery, and the bulbs will be ready for storage.
Can you eat garlic stalks?
Yes, you can eat garlic stalks. Garlic stalks are garlic scapes. These are the long, green, and slightly curved stems that grow from the center of the garlic plant. Garlic scapes have a mild garlic flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s crucial to harvest garlic bulbs and garlic scapes at the right time. You can determine the optimal harvest time by monitoring the signs of readiness — such as yellowing leaves for bulbs and curled scapes for garlic scapes. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can master the art of harvesting garlic.
