Q&A: How do you know when garlic is ready to harvest?
Many of us planted garlic waaaay back in October and it seems impossible that it would take this long to grow. What’s it doing under there?! Fact is, garlic actually does take 8 or 9 months to grow to maturity, so it probably needs a a few more weeks. It can be a bit of a mystery to know when it’s ready, but the plant will give you a few clues.
Leaf Condition:
As garlic matures, the lower leaves will start to yellow and brown. When 3-5 lower leaves have died and the top leaves remain green, it's a good indication that it’s ready to harvest. Too much browning may lead to splitting bulbs, reducing their storage life and increasing susceptibility to diseases.
Bulb Size and Clove Formation:
To check if the garlic is ready, gently unearth one or two bulbs to inspect their size and clove development. Look for well-formed bulbs with distinct cloves visible under the thin skin.
Time of Year:
Garlic planted in fall is typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer. Softneck varieties mature a bit sooner compared to hardneck types.
Scape Condition (for Hardneck Varieties):
Hardneck garlic produces a flower stalk called a “scape.” Once the scape curls, it often signals that the garlic is close to maturity. Trimming the scape redirects the plant's energy towards bulb growth. After trimming harvest will be just around the corner.
When the garlic is giving you signs that it’s ready for harvest, what do you do?!
Choose a dry day for harvesting to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew. Use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the garlic bulbs, being careful not to damage them by digging a few inches away from the plants. To lift the bulbs, grasp the garlic plant near the base and pull upwards, with the fork or spade to assist if needed. Shake or brush off excess soil, but don’t wash the bulbs as moisture can promote rot. Inspect the bulbs for any signs of disease or damage, using the healthiest ones for storage and setting aside any damaged bulbs for immediate use.
Curing Garlic
After you’ve harvested garlic, it needs to “cure” for a few weeks so that it can store for a months, and hopefully even until you harvest again next year. To properly prepare the bulbs for storage, spread the harvested garlic in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated, shaded area. Keep the garlic out of direct sunlight to prevent sunburn, which can compromise its storage life.
Alternatively, tie the garlic in bunches of 8-10 bulbs and hang them in a cool, airy place. Make sure you’ve got good air circulation to prevent mold and mildew.
Allow the garlic to cure for 2-3 weeks. This process dries out the outer skin and helps protect the cloves inside. The bulbs are ready when the skins are papery and the roots are dry and wiry.
Make sure to hold back 1-2 heads of garlic to plant this fall so you can grow next year’s harvest.
