Growing garlic is a rewarding experience, but knowing exactly when to harvest your garlic can be tricky. Harvest too early, and your bulbs might be small and underdeveloped. Wait too long, and your garlic could split, lose flavor, or spoil quickly. So, how do you know when garlic is ready to pick? Let’s dive into the signs and tips to help you harvest your garlic at just the right time.
Understanding Garlic Growth and Timing
Garlic is typically planted in the fall and grows slowly through the winter and spring. The bulbs develop underground while the green tops grow above ground. The perfect harvest time depends on your climate, garlic variety, and growing conditions, but generally, garlic is ready to be picked in mid to late summer, around 8 to 9 months after planting.
Factors That Affect Garlic Harvest Time
– Climate and Location: Cooler regions like Canada and the northern U.S. usually harvest garlic from mid-July to mid-August, while warmer areas might start as early as June.
– Garlic Variety: Different types mature at different rates. Asiatic and Turban garlic mature early, Artichoke (softneck) varieties are usually ready about 10 days earlier than hardnecks, and hardneck types like Porcelain and Rocambole take the longest to mature.
Key Signs Garlic Is Ready to Pick
1. Yellowing and Drying Leaves
One of the most reliable signs is the condition of the garlic leaves. Garlic leaves start to yellow and dry from the bottom up as the plant redirects energy to bulb development. When about half of the leaves have turned yellow or brown and the rest are still green, it’s time to start checking your bulbs.
Be careful not to wait until all the leaves have died back. If the tops dry out completely and fall over, the bulbs may have split open, which reduces their storage life and quality.
2. Loose Bulbs in the Soil
As garlic bulbs mature, they loosen their grip on the soil. When you gently dig around a bulb and find it is no longer firmly anchored, it’s a good indicator that your garlic is ready to be harvested. You can carefully pull a few test bulbs to check their size and firmness before harvesting the entire crop.
3. Dry, Papery Skins on the Bulbs
Mature garlic bulbs have dry, papery outer skins that protect the cloves. If the skins are still thick and moist, the garlic needs more time to mature. When the skins become thin and dry, the cloves inside are fully formed and flavorful, signaling the right time to harvest.
4. Clove Separation and Size
If you split open a test bulb, the cloves should be well-formed and clearly separated by their skins. If the cloves are still tightly packed or small, your garlic might need more time in the ground. Ideally, the cloves should be plump and distinct.
How to Harvest Garlic Properly
Choose a Dry Day
Harvest garlic on a dry day to prevent mold and decay. A sunny, dry period before harvest helps the soil and plants dry out, making harvesting easier and reducing the risk of fungal problems.
Loosen the Soil Gently
Don’t just pull garlic out by the stalk; this can break the stems and damage the bulbs. Instead, use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the bulbs. Then carefully lift them out to avoid bruising.
Don’t Clean Immediately
After harvesting, brush off excess soil but avoid washing or scrubbing the bulbs. Leave the dirt on to protect the garlic during curing.
Curing Garlic for Long-Term Storage
Curing is the process of drying garlic slowly to enhance flavor and shelf life. Hang your garlic in a well-ventilated, shaded area for 2 to 4 weeks. The outer skins will become papery, and the necks will dry out. Once cured, trim the roots and tops, leaving a small bit of stem to keep the bulb sealed.
What Happens If You Harvest Too Early or Too Late?
– Too Early: Bulbs may be small, cloves underdeveloped, and flavor mild. They won’t store well and might sprout quickly.
– Too Late: Bulbs can split open, exposing cloves to moisture and decay, leading to a shorter shelf life and potential rot.
Quick Checklist to Know When Garlic Is Ready to Pick
– Bottom 2-3 leaves have yellowed or died, but top leaves are still green
– Bulbs feel loose in the soil when gently checked
– Outer skins of bulbs are dry and papery
– Cloves inside are plump and well separated
– Harvest on a dry, sunny day for best results
Harvesting garlic at the perfect time ensures you get the best flavor, size, and storage life. Keep an eye on your plants as they mature, and don’t be afraid to dig up a test bulb to check progress. With these tips, you’ll be enjoying your homegrown garlic in no time!
Enjoy your garlic harvest!