Garlic Scapes Explained: Harvest Timing, Benefits, and Grower Insights

If you've ever grown hardneck garlic, you've probably noticed a curly green stalk emerging from the center of the plant in late spring or early summer. This unique structure is called a garlic scape, and its appearance signals that harvest season is getting closer.

Every year, we receive questions about garlic scapes: What are they? Why do growers remove them? Does removing them actually help the bulbs grow larger?

The answer is a little bit of plant science and a lot of grower experience.

What Is a Garlic Scape?

A garlic scape is the flowering stalk produced by hardneck garlic varieties. As the plant matures, a stem begins to grow from the center of the leaves and eventually forms a curl. At the tip of the stalk is a flower bud, known as an umbel, which contains tiny bulbils that can be used for propagation.

Unlike softneck garlic, which typically does not produce a flower stalk, hardneck varieties put energy into producing this reproductive structure as part of their natural growth cycle.

For garlic growers, scapes are one of the clearest signs that bulb development is underway underground.

Why Do Garlic Plants Produce Scapes?

In nature, garlic uses scapes as a means of reproduction. The bulbils produced in the flower head can be planted and grown into new garlic plants over time.

Producing a flower stalk requires energy, however. Once the scape begins developing, the plant starts directing some of its resources toward reproduction rather than bulb growth.

This is why many growers choose to remove the scape before it fully matures.

When Do We Harvest Garlic Scapes?

Timing is important.

We typically harvest garlic scapes once they have completed their first curl but before the flower bud begins to expand significantly. At this stage, the scape is tender, flavorful, and ideal for culinary use.

Harvesting too early can result in smaller scapes with less developed flavor. Waiting too long can lead to tougher stems and a more fibrous texture.

In our fields, scape harvest usually takes place several weeks before the garlic bulbs are ready to dig, making it one of the final milestones before harvest season begins.

Benefits of Removing Garlic Scapes

• Encourages Bulb Development

The primary reason most growers remove scapes is to encourage the plant to direct more energy toward bulb growth. While results vary depending on variety, weather, and growing conditions, many growers observe larger bulbs when scapes are removed.

• Improves Harvest Uniformity

Removing scapes helps shift the plant's focus back to bulb development, often resulting in more consistent bulb sizing across a planting.

• Provides a Seasonal Crop

Garlic scapes are also a delicious bonus harvest. Their flavor is milder than a garlic clove, with a fresh, green character that works well in pestos, stir-fries, soups, and grilled dishes.

For many garlic lovers, scape season is one of the highlights of the year.

Are There Any Downsides to Removing Scapes?

While removing scapes is common practice, there are a few considerations.

• Additional Labor

Scapes must be harvested by hand, which adds another task during one of the busiest times of the growing season.

• Loss of Bulbils

Growers interested in propagation may choose to leave some scapes intact so bulbils can mature and be used for future planting stock.

• Timing Matters

Removing scapes too early or too late may reduce the potential benefits. Finding the right balance is part of the art of garlic growing.

When Is the Best Time to Remove Garlic Scapes?

Ask ten garlic growers and you may get ten slightly different answers.

Some growers remove scapes as soon as they emerge. Others wait until they have completed a full curl. In our experience, harvesting after the first curl offers a good balance between scape quality and bulb development.

At this stage:

• The scapes are tender and flavorful.

• The plant has completed much of its vegetative growth.

• There is still time for the bulb to benefit from redirected energy.

As with many aspects of farming, observation and experience often matter as much as any rule of thumb.

A Sign That Harvest Is Near

One reason we enjoy scape season is that it signals the transition into the final stage of the garlic growing cycle. Months of planting, overwintering, fertilizing, and field management are beginning to pay off.

While the garlic bulbs still have some growing left to do, seeing those first curls appear is a reminder that harvest is right around the corner.

If you're planning to plant garlic this fall or simply want to enjoy premium heirloom garlic from this year's crop, now is a great time to reserve your bulbs. Many of our varieties are available for preorder, and popular selections often sell out before shipping begins.

Preordering ensures you'll have access to the varieties you want when they're ready to leave the farm.

Browse our available heirloom garlic varieties here and secure your order today before the season's harvest is spoken for.