Garlic scapes are the flower stalks produced by hardneck garlic varieties. As the garlic plant matures in late spring or early summer, it sends up a central stalk that eventually forms a curl or spiral and ends in a pointed tip or bulbil—often described as looking like a green onion with an “elf hat” at the end16. If left unharvested, the scape will straighten, flower, and eventually produce seeds.
There are two main reasons to harvest garlic scapes:
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: Scapes are edible, tender, and packed with a subtle garlic flavor. They can be used in pestos, stir-fries, pickles, and more.
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: Removing the scape redirects the plant’s energy from flowering back into the bulb, resulting in larger, healthier garlic bulbs at harvest time674. If the scape is left on, the plant diverts resources to seed production, often leading to smaller bulbs.
Timing is crucial for harvesting garlic scapes. The best time is when the scape has formed a curl or spiral, but before it straightens out and becomes woody123467. Here’s how to identify the right moment:
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: Scapes start as straight shoots but soon curl into loops or spirals. This is the ideal stage for harvesting—when the scape is tender and flavorful1247.
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: If scapes are left to straighten, they become tough, fibrous, and less palatable134.
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: In most temperate climates, scapes appear in late spring to early summer (May or June), about 4–6 weeks before the garlic bulbs are ready to harvest1247.
“Harvest the scape when it starts to curl into a half circle or full circle. This is a good middle point that increases bulb size but also gives you a decent amount of tender scapes.”2
Harvesting garlic scapes is a simple process, but a few best practices will help you get the most from your plants:
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: Look for scapes that have curled into at least one loop and are still tender and green47.
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: Follow the scape down to where it emerges from the main stem of the garlic plant48.
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Use clean, sharp scissors, pruners, or garden shears to cut the scape as close to its base as possible, without cutting into the leaves or damaging the main stem1468.
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Alternatively, you can gently grasp the base of the scape and twist or snap it off by hand24. Both methods work well, but cutting is often more precise.
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: Some gardeners prefer to snip off the pointed tip or bulbil (the “elf hat”) and use just the stalk for cooking1.
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: Not all scapes will be ready at once. Check your garlic patch every few days and harvest scapes as they reach the curled stage16.
: Avoid cutting any of the garlic leaves, as this can reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and may decrease your final bulb size2.
If you leave scapes on the plant, they will eventually straighten and flower. This diverts energy away from the developing bulb, resulting in smaller garlic bulbs at harvest467. Additionally, the scapes themselves become tough and less enjoyable to eat.
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: Freshly harvested garlic scapes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a month. Place them in a plastic bag or container to retain moisture2.
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: For longer storage, chop scapes into pieces and freeze them. They can be used straight from the freezer in cooked dishes or to make pesto12.
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: Garlic scapes can also be pickled, dehydrated, or blended into pestos and sauces for year-round enjoyment.
Garlic scapes are versatile and can be used in place of garlic or green onions in many recipes:
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: Blend scapes with olive oil, nuts, cheese, and lemon for a vibrant pesto1.
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: Slice and sauté with vegetables or meats.
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: Preserve scapes in vinegar and spices for a tangy treat.
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: Toss whole scapes with oil and grill or roast until tender.
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: Chop and add to soups or salads for a mild garlic kick.
No. Only hardneck garlic varieties reliably produce scapes. Softneck varieties rarely do, so if you want to harvest scapes, plant hardneck garlic7.
Each hardneck garlic plant produces one scape per season.
Yes, positively! Removing scapes typically results in larger bulbs that store better, as the plant’s energy is focused on bulb development rather than flowering67.
Yes, the bulbils at the end of the scape are edible, though they can be tougher than the stalk. Some gardeners use them in pickles or as a garnish16.
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: Don’t wait for all scapes to appear—harvest as each one curls for the best texture and flavor16.
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: Prevent disease by using sanitized scissors or pruners.
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: Only harvest the scape, not the leaves, to avoid reducing your garlic yield2.
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: After harvesting scapes, your garlic bulbs will be ready in about 3–4 weeks. Watch for the lower leaves to yellow as a sign that it’s time to harvest bulbs15.
Conclusion
Harvesting garlic scapes is a rewarding practice that benefits both your kitchen and your garlic crop. By picking scapes at the optimal time—when they curl but before they straighten—you’ll enjoy tender, flavorful stalks and help your garlic bulbs grow bigger and healthier. With simple tools and a watchful eye, you can savor this seasonal treat and look forward to an abundant garlic harvest in just a few weeks.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or growing garlic for the first time, mastering the art of harvesting garlic scapes will add a new dimension to your gardening and culinary adventures.
:
1 Savvy Gardening
2 ReSprout
3 Reddit Gardening
4 Ninnescah Made
5 Keene Organics
6 Cedar Circle Farm
7 Our Stoney Acres
8 Sprouted Garden
Citations:
- https://savvygardening.com/when-to-harvest-garlic/
- https://resprout.com/harvesting-garlic-scapes-when-why-how/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/gardening/comments/1dck9s4/when_should_i_be_harvesting_my_scapes_and_garlic/
- https://ninnescahmade.com/guide-to-garlic-scapes/
- https://keeneorganics.com/harvesting-garlic/
- https://cedarcirclefarm.org/tips/entry/how-and-when-to-cut-your-garlic-scapes
- https://ourstoneyacres.com/harvesting-using-garlic-scapes
- https://sproutedgarden.com/garlic-scapes/
- https://www.madrivergarlicgrowers.com/blogs/our-farm-news-blog/your-guide-to-harvesting-garlic-scapes-bulbs
