garlic: harvest about how long after scapes emerge?

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6aseeder Arlington, MA(Zone 6a) May 31, 2011

i am in the boston area, new to growing garlic. how long after the scapes come out is the harvest? i am sure that varies by variety, but i am hoping for a ball park figure. my scapes are just appearing from some varieties.

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wisbill Brooklyn, WI Jun 02, 2011

Check an ag site for your state, but I believe they are ready when the leaves show a little brown.

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gardadore Saylorsburg, PA(Zone 6a) Jun 02, 2011

When the scapes begin to curl you can cut just the scapes (the center stalk that produces the flowers and seeds), chop them up and saute them or use them in salads. The site that I used for my info says to discontinue water about two weeks before harvest. I would guess that you would discontinue in about two weeks since you should be harvesting the garlic sometime in July. Harvest when the leaves are brown or have died back. There should be 5-6 green leaves remaining to insure there are enough papery bulb wrappers to protect the bulb in storage. Once dug up air dry in a cool,dry place on window screens or tie two bulbs together by the stems and hang over garage rafters or similar. I grew my first garlic last season and it worked out well. My scapes are just starting like yours. Enjoy!

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stephanietx Fort Worth, TX(Zone 8a) Jun 02, 2011

The garlic plant will start turning brown and will eventually fall over when ready. I pick it when most of the plant is brown, but still some green and they've not fallen over yet. Be careful to dig UNDER the garlic when you harvest and don't bang the cloves together to knock the dirt off as garlic is very tender and will bruise if banged causing it to rot quickly. Allow the garlic to dry completely in a well ventilated area free of humidity (if possible). Clip the tops and the roots off when completely dry. You can separate the cloves and freeze them for later use. If you plan on planting any of your garlic the next year, don't freeze it.

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6aseeder Arlington, MA(Zone 6a) Jun 02, 2011

i will be away for 2+ weeks in july so i am nervous about if i will be home for when they are ready for harvest. i am afraid i will be away.

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