How To Harvest Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes—the tender, curly flower stalks produced by hardneck garlic varieties—are a prized springtime delicacy that gardeners eagerly harvest each year. Not only are garlic scapes delicious with a mild garlicky flavor, but removing them redirects energy from flower production into growing larger, healthier garlic bulbs underground. Knowing when and how to properly harvest garlic scapes ensures you maximize both culinary enjoyment and garlic bulb size. This comprehensive guide explores the timing, techniques, benefits, and uses of garlic scapes for anyone growing their own garlic.cedarcirclefarm+2

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the flowering stalks that hardneck garlic produces during its spring growth phase. They emerge from the center of the plant’s pseudostem and grow upward until they curl into a loop or spiral.ninnescahmade+1

The scape ends with a cluster of undeveloped flowers inside a small bulb called a bulbil. If left to mature, the scape will straighten and produce flowers and seeds, but this diverts energy from the bulb below ground, reducing garlic bulb size and quality.resprout+1

Why Should You Harvest Garlic Scapes?

• Encourages Larger Garlic Bulbs: Cutting scapes prevents the plant from investing energy in flowering and seed production, redirecting it to bulb development underground. Research shows scape removal can increase bulb size by 20-30%.resprout

• Early Harvest: Garlic scapes become available a month or two before the garlic bulbs are ready for harvest, giving an early spring vegetable.

• Culinary Delight: Scapes have a mild garlic flavor and tender texture that works in numerous recipes like pesto, stir-fries, soups, and salads.theartofdoingstuff+1

When Is the Best Time to Harvest Garlic Scapes?

Harvest garlic scapes when they begin to curl and form loops but are still tender. The timing varies by climate zone and variety but generally falls in late spring to early summer:

• Zones 3-4: Late June

• Zones 5-6: Mid June

• Zones 7-8: Early June

• Zones 9+: Late May

Scapes that grow past the spiral phase will straighten out and become tough and woody, losing their tender texture and flavor. They also signal that flowering energy is being diverted away, which can limit bulb size.thehomesteadingrd+1

How to Harvest Garlic Scapes: Step-by-Step

1. Locate the Scape: Look for the thick, central stalk curling above the garlic leaves.

2. Cut or Snap: Using sharp garden scissors or snippers, cut the scape as close as possible to the base where it emerges from the plant without damaging leaves. Alternatively, gently snap it off with your hand by twisting and pulling upward.

3. Harvest Regularly: Not all scapes mature simultaneously. Check your garlic patch weekly and harvest new scapes to prevent flower development.cedarcirclefarm+1

4. Avoid Cutting Leaves: Cutting leaves instead of scapes can reduce bulb size by up to 25%, so be precise in harvesting only scapes.resprout

Storing Garlic Scapes

• Fresh scapes should be stored in the refrigerator where they keep well for up to two weeks.

• They also freeze easily for long-term storage after chopping.

• Preserving scapes as pesto, pickled, or in infused oils maximizes their culinary use year-round.sproutedgarden+1

Culinary Uses for Garlic Scapes

• Pesto: Blended with nuts, cheese, and olive oil for a garlicky spread.

• Stir-fries: Sliced and tossed with vegetables or proteins.

• Salads: Thinly sliced raw scapes add crunchy garlic flavor.

• Soups and Sauces: Simmered for mellow garlic taste.

• Grilled or Roasted: Whole scapes with light seasoning for simple appetizers.

• Pickled: Preserved for later use as tangy condiments.theartofdoingstuff+2

Additional Tips and Common Mistakes

• Don’t Wait Too Long: Harvesting scapes too late makes them woody and less flavorful.

• Be Gentle on Plants: Avoid damaging leaves or stalks to maintain plant health and maximize bulb growth.

• Providing Good Soil and Water: Healthy bulb growth depends on consistent moisture and fertile soil.

• Scape Harvesting for Elephant Garlic: Elephant garlic also produces scapes that can be harvested similarly, though they grow slower.sproutedgarden+1

Harvesting Garlic Bulbs After Scapes

After scape removal, garlic bulbs need roughly 4 to 6 additional weeks to mature. Indicators to begin harvest include yellowing and dying back of the lower leaves, signaling mature bulbs ready to be dug. Proper curing after harvest ensures long storage life.savvygardening+1

Summary Table

Harvesting garlic scapes is a straightforward practice offering delicious rewards and healthier garlic bulbs. By monitoring curly scapes in spring and cutting them off at the right time, gardeners enhance their garlic harvests and enjoy seasonal culinary treats. Whether used fresh or preserved, garlic scapes bring mild, versatile garlic flavor to a variety of dishes and celebrate the circular rhythm of garden life.cedarcirclefarm+2