Overview
Garlic is a treasured ingredient found in most kitchens worldwide because of its luscious taste and medicinal value. However, it is high time to focus on another part of a garlic plant, garlic scapes. These curl green shoots have a mild garlic flavor and are a valued delicacy in gourmet cuisine.
The key to garlic scapes harvesting is to be aware of the right time to cut them, in order to enjoy the piquant garlic taste and at the same time to have a full, healthy garlic bulb in the ground.
This guides will tell you what garlic scapes are, why they are important, when and how to harvest them, and how to use them in the kitchen. Are you a backyard farmer or a foodie? Whatever the case may be, this article will assist you in maximizing your garlic harvest.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are flower stems of hardneck garlic plants. When the garlic plant is ready, a green curly stem will shoot up in the middle. It is the escape. The scape can be left to straighten out and eventually develop a flower head containing small garlic bulbils (miniature cloves), this can be allowed to happen either intentionally, to collect the bulbils and grow new plants, or unintentionally, in which case the plant will have bolted.
These bulbs are interesting,but they draw energy that should be going to the formation of the primary garlic bulb under the ground. This is the reason why a lot of gardeners who are experienced suggest that you harvest the scapes prior to the flower head developing.
Why Harvest Garlic Scapes?
Harvesting garlic scapes is not just a culinary delight, it’s also a smart move for better garlic bulb growth. Here’s why:
1. Promotes Bigger Bulbs
A garlic plant begins to devote energy to flowering when it begins to produce scapes. When you harvest the scape early that energy is re deposited into the root system giving you larger more robust garlic bulbs.
2. Delicious and Edible
Garlic scapes are edible delight. They are less strong than garlic cloves, slightly sweet and herbively fresh. They are excellent in pestos, stir-fries, soups, pickles and even grilled.
3. Longer Harvest Season
By harvesting the scapes first, you effectively extend your garlic season. You get a delicious crop before the main bulb harvest, giving you a two-in-one garlic harvest experience.
When to Harvest Garlic Scapes
General Timing
Garlic scapes will emerged in late spring early summer, depending on your climate and when you plant them. In most parts of North America this is late May to mid June.
Key Indicators to Watch For:
- Curly Appearance: When the scapes are young and tender they make a loop or spiral. It is the perfect harvesting stage.
- Before Flowering: After the scape has begun to straighten and the flower head has begun to develop, the stalk is then tough and fibrous.
- Plant Age: Scapes tend to appear a month or so before the garlic bulb is ready to be picked. That is your early sign that the cloves underground are growing up.
Pro Tip: Later in the spring, look at your garlic plants every two days. Garlic scapes are fast-growing, and when left too long, they will passed their prime tender stage.
How to Harvest Garlic Scapes
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Identify the Scape: Search the middle, curly green stem growing in the center of the plant.
- Wait for One Full Curl: Harvest when scape has made 1 complete curl, but has not yet straightened completely.
- Use Sharp Scissors or Pruners: Cut the scape just above the upper leaf of the plant, 1/4 inch or so. Be delicate not to break the main stalk.
- Harvest All at Once or in Batches: When they are ready you can harvest them all at once or pick a handful every few days according to your requirements.
What Happens If You Don’t Harvest Scapes?
If left uncut, garlic scapes will continue to grow and straighten out. Eventually, they’ll form flower heads with bulbils. While this looks interesting, it often leads to:
- Smaller garlic bulbs, since the plant focuses energy on seed production.
- Tougher scapes that are no longer pleasant to eat.
- Slower bulb maturity in some cases.
But, should you want to save garlic seeds or have some bulbils experimentation, then you can leave some scapes to develop. Just make sure this can Lower your bulb yield.
How to Store Fresh Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes should be used fresh once harvested, although they can be stored as well. The following are some storage suggestions:
- In the fridge: Enclose in damp paper towel, and put into plastic bag. They will keep 2-3 weeks.
- Freezing: Cut into chunks and freeze in air tight bags. Excellent in soups and saut es.
- Pickling: Garlic scapes are great pickles. They are crisp and tangy with vinegar, dill and peppercorns.
Culinary Uses for Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are a hidden gem in the kitchen. They’re flexible, easy to apply, and % a moderate garlicky punch. Here are some famous ways to experience them:
- Garlic Scape Pesto: For an ambitious pesto, mixture scapes with olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice and nuts.
- Stir-Fries and Sauteés: Chop and saute the same as green beans or asparagus.
- Grilled or Roasted: Brush with oil and char-grill. A ciggy delight!
- Pickled Scapes: Crunchy and tangy, they make a great addition to charcuterie boards.
- Soups and Stews: Add chopped scapes in the area of onions or garlic in broths and chowders.
Garlic Scape Harvest by Region
Depending on where you live, the exact time to harvest garlic scapes will vary slightly:
| Region | Approximate Harvest Time |
| Northern U.S. (Zones 3–5) | Early to Mid-June |
| Mid U.S. (Zones 5–7) | Late May to Early June |
| Southern U.S. (Zones 7–9) | Late April to Mid-May |
| Canada (Cooler Climates) | Mid to Late June |
Always check your garden, as soil temperature, weather, and garlic variety also influence timing.
Best Garlic Types for Scape Harvesting
Scapes are only found in hardneck varieties of garlic. In case you intend to have scapes every year, then you need to plant one of the following varieties:
- Rocambole
- Purple Stripe
- Porcelain
- Marbled Purple Stripe
Softneck garlics (together with the ones located in groceries) usually do no longer develop scapes.
Final Thoughts
Garlic scapes harvesting is an art and science of its own. These tasty green stems are not only a lovely bonus to your garlic plants-they also make you have larger, better bulbs.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Harvest when scapes form a full loop
- Cut them before they straighten out
- Use them fresh or store for later
- Enjoy the culinary rewards and improve bulb development
With a little luck and timing and by being observant you can maximize your garlic crop above and below ground by harvesting garlic scapes when they are at their prime.