Growing garlic is a rewarding experience, but the tricky part often comes when it’s time to harvest. Since garlic bulbs develop underground, it’s not always obvious when they’re ready to be picked. If you’re wondering how do I know when garlic is ready to pick, here’s a simple, friendly guide to help you time your garlic harvest perfectly.
Watch the Leaves: Your Best Harvest Indicator
The easiest and most reliable way to know when garlic is ready to be harvested is by observing the plant’s leaves. Garlic leaves start to turn yellow and brown from the bottom up as the bulb matures.
– When about half of the leaves have turned brown and died back, and the other half remain green, it’s usually the perfect time to harvest.
– Don’t wait until all the leaves have died; if you do, the protective layers around the bulb will deteriorate, causing cloves to separate and reducing shelf life.
– If the leaves are only slightly yellow or mostly green, your garlic probably needs more time to grow.
Check the Garlic Scapes (For Hardneck Garlic)
If you’re growing hardneck garlic, you’ll notice a curly flower stalk called a scape about 4 to 6 weeks before the bulbs are ready.
– Cutting off the scapes when they start to curl encourages the plant to focus energy on bulb growth.
– After harvesting the scapes, wait about a month, then start checking the bulbs underground for size.
Softneck garlic doesn’t produce scapes, so you’ll rely more on leaf color and bulb checks.
Dig and Inspect: Testing Bulb Size
Once you see the leaf color changing, gently dig around a bulb or two to check their size without pulling the entire plant.
– Mature bulbs should be plump, firm, and cloves clearly separated with individual skins.
– If the bulbs are small or cloves are not distinct, give the plants more time to grow.
– You can even taste a clove; immature garlic will have a milder flavor.
Timing by Garlic Type and Climate
Garlic varieties mature at different times, and your local climate also affects harvest timing:
| Garlic Type | Typical Harvest Period |
|---|---|
| Turban, Asiatic | May to June |
| Artichoke, Rocambole, Creole | June to July |
| Purple Stripe types | July |
| Porcelain, Silverskin | July to August |
Warmer climates tend to mature garlic earlier, sometimes as early as spring, while cooler climates may wait until midsummer.
What Happens If You Harvest Too Early or Too Late?
– Too early: Bulbs will be small, cloves may not separate well, and the garlic won’t store long. However, immature garlic (called green garlic) is edible and can be used like green onions.
– Too late: Bulbs can split open, cloves separate, and the garlic may spoil quickly or lose flavor.
Tips for a Successful Garlic Harvest
– Plant garlic cloves in the fall for a summer harvest.
– Make sure your garlic gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
– Remove garlic scapes from hardneck varieties to boost bulb size.
– Keep notes on planting and harvesting dates to improve timing year after year.
Harvesting garlic at the right moment ensures flavorful bulbs that store well and make your homegrown garlic shine in the kitchen.
Enjoy your garlic-growing journey and happy harvesting!
Garlic is ready to pick when about half the leaves have browned and the bulbs feel firm and well-formed underground.