Growing garlic is a rewarding experience, but knowing exactly when to pick it can be a bit tricky. Harvesting too early or too late can affect the flavor, storage life, and overall quality of your garlic. So, how do you know garlic is ready to pick? Let’s dive into the key signs and tips that will help you harvest your garlic at just the right moment.
Understanding Garlic Growth and Timing
Garlic is typically planted in the fall and takes about 7 to 8 months to mature, usually ready for harvest in late spring or summer. During this time, the garlic bulb develops underground while the green tops grow above ground, helping the plant gather energy through photosynthesis.
Key Signs Your Garlic Is Ready to Harvest
1. Yellowing and Browning of Leaves
One of the most reliable indicators is the condition of the garlic leaves. When the bottom two or three leaves start turning yellow or brown and begin to wilt, it signals that the plant is redirecting its energy from the leaves to the bulb development underground. The ideal harvesting time is when the lower leaves are brown and dry, but the upper leaves still have some green left — this means the bulb has matured but hasn’t started to deteriorate.
2. Garlic Scapes Appearance
For hardneck garlic varieties, the garlic scapes — those curly, green flower stalks — appear before the bulbs are fully mature. When the scapes start to curl and loop, it’s a sign that the garlic bulbs are nearing maturity. Some gardeners harvest scapes early for a mild garlic flavor, but for bulb harvesting, wait until the scapes begin to soften or are cut back to encourage bulb growth.
3. Loose Bulbs in the Soil
As garlic bulbs mature, they loosen from the soil naturally. If you gently tug a plant and the bulb feels loose rather than firmly anchored, it’s a good sign that it’s ready to be harvested. This loosening happens because the bulb has expanded fully and is no longer tightly held by the soil.
4. Dry, Papery Skins on the Bulbs
Mature garlic bulbs develop dry, papery outer skins that protect the cloves inside. When you dig up a bulb and see the skin is dry and peeling easily, it indicates that the cloves are fully formed and the garlic is ready to be picked. If the skin is still moist or tightly clings to the cloves, the garlic needs more time.
How to Test Garlic Readiness Before Harvesting All
If you’re unsure, there are simple ways to test a few bulbs without harvesting the entire crop:
– Dig Up a Test Bulb: Carefully dig around a plant and pull up one bulb. Check if the cloves are plump, well-formed, and separated by papery skins. If they look small or tightly packed, wait a bit longer.
– Pinch the Leaves: Gently pinch the tops of the garlic leaves. If they feel dry and brittle, the garlic is likely ready. If they’re still soft and green, give it more time.
– Taste Test: Peel a clove and taste it. Immature garlic tends to be milder and less pungent, so if the flavor is too weak, wait for full maturity.
Tips for Harvesting Garlic
– Harvest on a Dry Day: Choose a dry day to harvest garlic to avoid excess moisture, which can promote mold during storage.
– Use a Garden Fork or Spade: Loosen the soil gently around the bulbs to avoid damaging them.
– Cure Your Garlic: After harvesting, cure your garlic by hanging it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This helps the skins dry further and improves storage life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Harvesting Too Early: Garlic harvested too soon will have smaller bulbs and milder flavor, and it won’t store well.
– Harvesting Too Late: If you wait too long, the bulbs may split open in the ground, exposing cloves to pests and rot.
– Ignoring Leaf Color: Don’t rely solely on the calendar; leaf color and bulb checks are better indicators.
Your garlic is ready to pick when the lower leaves have browned and dried, the bulbs feel loose in the soil, and the skins are dry and papery. Checking these signs will ensure you enjoy flavorful, well-developed garlic with a long shelf life. Happy harvesting!