When to Harvest Garlic Scapes: The Best Time for Bigger, Healthier Garlic Bulbs | Mad River Garlic G

 Growing hardneck garlic is a great experience because the garlic scapes start growing early in the summer. Many gardeners ask when to harvest garlic scapes and if it matters. Many gardeners ask if it matters or when to harvest garlic scapes. The answer is yes. The ideal time to harvest garlic scapes is when the garlic plants are about 40% dry, which is around the time that bulbs are 3/4 done growing. Timing the harvest of garlic scapes is important to ensure the garlic plant puts more energy into bulbs than scapes, so harvest them when the garlic plants are about 4/5 finished growing and bulbs are about 3/4 finished growing, or when they are about 40% dry.

We feel that if we knew what goes on in each phase of garlic growing we would have a more successful crop at Mad River Garlic Growers. If you're an avid gardener or a home cook, you might have questions about when it's best to harvest garlic scapes, and why they can make your kitchen a better place.

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the long, green flower stalks that are formed by hardneck garlic varieties. They grow out of the plant several weeks ahead of the garlic bulbs. They tend to curl up into a single or double curve as they get older, then straighten again.

Garlic scapes, if not removed from the plant, will grow flowers and bulbils rather than the plant sending its energy towards larger bulbs underground. This is the reason that most gardeners keep them until they aren't fully grown.

When to Harvest Garlic Scapes

Harvesting garlic scapes is best when the heads have curled completely, but the scapes are still tender and green. They are highly snapper at this stage and are at their best taste and consistency when cooked.

You can tell your garlic scapes are ready when:

• A complete loop/curl has formed.
• The stem is rigid but bends easily.
• Scape is bright and tender green.
• Flowers are in bud.
• Stem easily snaps when bent.

The large bulbs are encouraged and a tasty seasonal vegetable is achieved through harvesting at this stage.

The importance of getting rid of garlic scapes.

There are several reasons to remove the garlic scapes from the garden and have them in the kitchen.

Encourages Larger Bulbs

After scape is cut off, the plant will channel energy into developing the bulb underground instead of developing flowers and seeds. Vigorous bulbs are observed at harvest time by many growers

Improves Bulb Quality

Bulbs from plants whose scape is removed tend to be better shaped, have tighter wrappers and will store better.

Provides a Bonus Harvest

Garlic scapes are 100% edible, and very versatile. They are popular during the seasons for their mild garlic taste and used in a variety of seasonal recipes.

Properly harvesting garlic scapes

Garlic scapes are easy to harvest and only take a few minutes.

• Wait till the scape has formed one curl.
• Grab the garlic plant's base and plant it tightly.
• Cut off the scape just above the upper leaf or use clean garden scissors to remove.
• Be sure not to damage the foliage, since it will keep nourishing the growing bulb.
• Harvest every few days—some plants will mature sooner than others.

It is best to harvest in the morning when it is rainiest, so that the plants are well watered.

What if you let time pass?

Many gardeners do not reap the fruits of their labor at the best time. If garlic scapes get overmature:

• They become fibrous and woody.
• Their flavour becomes stronger.
• Flower buds start to open.
• The plant expends energy on the production of bulbils.
• Bulb size may be decreased.

Older scapes can still be consumed, but tend to be best in soups or stocks.

Garlic Scapes are delicious in a variety of ways!

The best thing about garlic scapes is that you get to eat it in the kitchen!

Here are some popular uses of garlic scapes:

Pesto al banco di capperi al cumulus di aglio.

• Stir-fries
• Roasted vegetables
• Omelettes
• Pasta dishes
• Soups
• Pickled garlic scapes
• Grilled side dishes

They have a milder garlic flavor than cloves, and are ideal for summer cooking.

Do You Feel You Can Store Garlic scapes?

Yes. New garlic scapes will keep a long time.

For best results:

Store in plastic or reusable produce bag in the refrigerator and use within three weeks.

• Chop the scapes and freeze for use in other recipes.
• Use in pesto and freeze in ice cube trays.
• Pickle and store for later.

With proper storage, you can savor garlic scapes well after harvest.

Familiarise yourself with common errors to avoid.

Small errors by first time garlic growers are some of the reasons bulbs do not grow as well as they could.

Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Allowing scapes to remain on the plant for too long.
• Pruning off the leaves rather than the flower stalk.
• Harvesting before the scape develops a curl.
• Ripping the whole stem out.
• Lacking the time to check plants on a regular basis during the scape season.

Monitoring regularly will ensure that all plants are picked at the optimum time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every garlic variety produces scapes?

No, only hardnecks garlic varieties produce the garlic scapes. Typically, softneck garlic does not produce a flowering stalk.

Will bulb size be larger if they are cut back for the scapes?

Yes. When garlic scapes are removed, the plant's energy goes into producing the bulbs, which can result in a bigger, healthier crop.

Can garlic scapes be eaten raw?

Absolutely. Garlic scapes are fresh and mild with a good garlic taste, and are fantastic eaten raw in salads, dips or pesto.

What should I do with the surplus garlic scapes?

Yes. In excess, they are also great additions to compost piles.

Grow Better Garlic with Mad River Garlic Growers

One of the simplest ways to make better garlic harvest is to be aware of when to harvest garlic scapes. Harvesting scapes at the proper time will promote larger bulbs, a healthy plant, and a tasty fall treat for your meals.

No matter whether you're a novice garlic grower or one of those who is already quite an expert, good seed garlic is the key to a successful crop. Mad River Garlic Growers supplies top quality, certified organic, heirloom garlic cultivars that have been meticulously chosen for their exceptional taste, strong growth and dependable yield.

Looking to become an amazing garlic grower? Visit Mad River Garlic Growers and discover the best organic garlic seed available for better plants, bigger garlic, and plentiful harvest year after year.