Garlic is a favorite among many gardeners because it’s both easy to grow and adds incredible flavor to countless dishes. Growing your own garlic allows you to enjoy this versatile vegetable almost all year long. However, knowing the right time to harvest and how to properly handle the bulbs is crucial for the best yield and flavor.
If you harvest garlic too early, you’ll end up with small bulbs with tiny cloves. But if you leave it in the ground too long, the bulbs can split and become overripe. It’s also important to understand the correct method for harvesting garlic bulbs. Thankfully, it’s not too complicated.
Let’s dig in and explore the best practices for harvesting garlic.
When to Harvest Garlic
So, when is the best time to pull up your garlic? It’s not an exact science—it depends on the type of garlic you are growing and the climate in your region. There are generally three main harvest times for garlic each year:
- Early Spring Harvest: The first harvest typically occurs in early spring. At this stage, garlic plants are usually about a foot tall. You can either pull up the whole plant to use the young garlic like scallions in cooking or simply trim some of the leaves to add flavor to your meals.
- Mid-Summer Harvest: The second harvest usually takes place in June. This is when you can harvest garlic scapes, which are the green, curly flower stems that grow from the garlic bulb. Many gardeners believe that cutting off the scapes helps the garlic bulb to grow larger, although opinions vary. I prefer to remove them because they’re tasty and healthy, and they seem to promote larger bulbs. Scapes can be stored in the fridge for up to three months.
- Late Summer Harvest: The third and main harvest is in late summer, typically from mid-July to late August. However, if the weather is warmer than usual, these timelines can shift, so it’s important to monitor your plants regularly.
Another key factor that affects the harvest time is the type of garlic you have planted. There are two main types—Silverskin and Stiffneck varieties.
When to Harvest Silverskin Garlic
Softneck garlic is the type you most often find in grocery stores. These varieties are well-suited for warmer climates and can be braided because their necks remain soft after harvesting. Softneck garlic typically has two layers of small cloves surrounding a layer of larger cloves. The most common types are Silverskin and Artichoke. Silverskin garlic has a stronger flavor and can be stored for about a year, while Artichoke garlic has a slightly milder flavor and can be stored for about eight months.
When to Harvest Stiffneck Garlic
Stiffneck garlic is better suited for colder climates, as its deep roots help the plant survive freezing and thawing. Unlike softneck varieties, hardneck garlic has a single row of large cloves around a central stem. The most popular hardneck varieties include Rocambole, Purple Stripe, and Porcelain, which are usually harvested in early spring. Although hardneck garlic varieties are easier to peel, they have a shorter shelf life than softneck varieties.
Tips for Harvesting Garlic
Harvesting garlic can be a bit tricky because you can’t see the bulbs growing underground. If you wait until all the leaves turn brown, you might end up with overripe bulbs, and the cloves could start to separate, making the garlic spoil faster. Each green leaf on the plant acts as a protective layer for the bulb, so it’s best to harvest garlic when it still has some green leaves.
A good rule of thumb is to wait until about one-third of the leaves are brown. At this point, you can check a plant or two to see if the bulbs are large enough. If they are, you can harvest. If not, you can wait a bit longer, but you should harvest all the garlic when about half the leaves have turned brown, regardless of the bulb size.
How to Harvest Garlic
Harvesting garlic requires a bit of care. While it might be tempting to pull the bulbs out by their stems, this often results in broken stems. It’s better to use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the plants, being careful not to dig too close to the bulbs. Once the soil is loosened, you can gently lift the bulbs with a spade or similar tool and brush off any excess dirt. If the soil is clay-like and sticks to the bulbs, don’t try to clean it off immediately—just let it dry a bit.
Freshly harvested garlic should not be left in the sun for too long, so move it to a shady spot with good air circulation, like a porch or shed. Be gentle with the bulbs to avoid bruising, which can affect their flavor.
How to Cure and Store Garlic
To extend the shelf life of your garlic and enhance its flavor, it needs to be cured properly. Curing involves drying the garlic slowly in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. The best method is to hang the garlic upside down in small bunches of 4 to 6 bulbs. This allows the garlic to dry evenly and prevents mold from forming.
Curing typically takes between two weeks to two months, depending on the humidity levels. You’ll know the garlic is ready to store when the leaves are completely dry and brown, and the roots are shriveled and hard. The bulb wrappers will also be dry and papery, making it easy to separate the cloves.
Storing Your Garlic Harvest
Once cured, garlic should be stored in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is between 40-60°F (4-15°C). Avoid refrigerating garlic, as the cold can cause it to sprout. Also, avoid damp areas like basements or cellars, as too much moisture can lead to mold and fungal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I leave the tops on or cut them off?
A: For softneck garlic, it depends on whether you want to braid them or store them in bags. For hardneck garlic, it’s common to cut the tops off.
Q: How long should garlic be dried?
A: It varies with humidity, but generally between 2 weeks and 2 months. You’ll know it’s done when the leaves, roots, and wrappers are completely dry.
Q: What happens if garlic is left in the ground too long?
A: If left too long, the bulbs can split and over-ripen, making them less suitable for eating and storing.
Q: Can you eat garlic right after harvesting?
A: Yes, fresh garlic can be eaten right after harvesting, but it won’t have the same intense flavor as cured garlic.
Q: Should garlic be washed before curing?
A: No, it’s best to brush off the dirt gently with your hands or a dry cloth. Washing adds moisture, which can interfere with the curing process.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy a successful garlic harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long.
