How To Harvest Garlic Scapes: A Complete Guide

Garlic scapes are the tender, curled flower stalks that emerge from hardneck garlic plants in late spring or early summer. These scapes are a coveted delicacy, prized for their mild garlic flavor and versatile culinary uses. Harvesting garlic scapes not only unlocks their delicious potential but also benefits the garlic bulbs underground by redirecting the plants’ energy toward bulb development rather than flower and seed production. Knowing exactly when and how to harvest garlic scapes is therefore essential for both taste and yield.

This detailed guide covers when to harvest garlic scapes, how to do it properly, storage tips, and culinary ideas to enjoy this unique vegetable.

What Are Garlic Scapes?

Garlic scapes are the flowering stalks that some varieties of garlic, mainly hardneck types, produce during their growing season. These long, green stems usually start as a straight shoot that curls into a loop or spiral near the tip, sometimes developing a small bulb-like swell called a bulbil or “seed.”

If left unharvested, scapes will continue to grow, flower, and eventually set seed, but this process diverts energy from the garlic bulb, potentially reducing its size and quality. Scapes are edible and seasonally available, typically appearing in late spring to early summer, offering about a 2-3 week window for harvesting.savvygardening+2

When to Harvest Garlic Scapes?

Timing is critical for both scape quality and garlic bulb development. The ideal moment to harvest scapes is:

• When the scapes begin to curl or spiral upward – as soon as you see the first full curl, it’s time to harvest. This indicates that the stalk is still tender, flavorful, and not yet tough or woody.

• Before the scape straightens out – once straightened, the scape becomes tougher and more fibrous, making it less pleasant to eat.

• Typically early to mid-June in most temperate climates, but this depends on your hardiness zone and planting time.reddit+2

Waiting too long risks the scapes becoming too woody and diminishes the benefit of energy redirection to the bulb.

Why Should You Harvest Garlic Scapes?

Harvesting scapes serves two important purposes:

1. Enhances Garlic Bulb Size and Quality
   By cutting off the scape before flowering, the plant puts more energy into developing the bulb underground. Studies show that removing scapes can increase bulb size by up to 25%.sustainablemarketfarming+1

2. Provides a Delicious, Versatile Vegetable
   Garlic scapes have a mild garlic flavor with a subtle oniony sweetness. They are highly prized for use in cooking, adding fresh flavor to pestos, stir-fries, soups, salads, and grilled dishes.resprout+1

How To Harvest Garlic Scapes

Tools and Preparation

• A sharp pair of garden scissors, pruners, or a knife is ideal.

• Clean your cutting tool to prevent plant disease transmission.

Harvesting Technique

• Locate the base where the scape emerges from the central stalk of the garlic plant. This is generally around the center of the rosette of leaves.

• Cut the scape low, near the base without damaging the leaves or the stalk itself. Avoid cutting any other part of the plant or the leaves.

• Some gardeners prefer to snap the scape off by hand just below the curl, which can be quicker but risks some damage to the plant.youtubecedarcirclefarm+1

Harvesting Frequency

• Scapes mature at slightly different rates; revisit your patch every few days to harvest newly formed scapes.

• Leaving any mature scapes on the plant reduces bulb size; timely removal is more beneficial.savvygardening+1

Storing and Using Garlic Scapes

Storage

• Fresh garlic scapes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks if wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag.

• For longer storage, freeze scapes after blanching to preserve flavor and texture.

• Another option is to pickle scapes for a tangy, crunchy condiment.sproutedgarden+1

Culinary Uses

• Pesto: Blend scapes with nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon for a bright, fresh pesto.

• Stir-Fries: Chop and sauté scapes with vegetables, eggs, or meats for a mild garlic flavor.

• Grilled or Roasted: Toss whole or chopped scapes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill or roast.

• Soups and Salads: Use scapes raw or cooked to add crunchy texture and garlic flavor.

• Scape Butter: Blend with softened butter and herbs for a delicious spread.katiespring+1

Tips and Best Practices

• Don’t wait too long: Harvest scapes early for tender texture and best flavor.

• Be gentle: Avoid damaging the garlic plant or leaves during harvest.

• Use harvested scapes promptly for the best taste and nutritional value.

• Leave enough leaves intact: Removing leaves can reduce bulb size, so only cut the scapes.resprout

• Compost harvested scapes if you have surplus or those that are too tough to eat, recycling nutrients back into your garden.

Troubleshooting

What if I miss harvesting my scapes and they flower?

• The flower head often contains bulbils. These can be left to dry and collected to grow new garlic plants, though this is a slower propagation method.

• The scape will become woody and tough, not recommended for cooking.

• Flowering reduces bulb size, so expect smaller garlic bulbs at harvest.savvygardening

Are all garlic varieties producing scapes?

• Only hardneck garlic types produce scapes.

• Softneck garlic varieties generally do not produce scapes, so no harvest is necessary.

Harvesting Garlic Bulbs After Scape Removal

Once scapes are removed, garlic plants focus energy below ground and grow larger bulbs. Typically bulbs mature about 4-6 weeks after scape harvest, and you’ll know when to harvest bulbs when the bottom 2-3 leaves die back and yellow.savvygardening

Conclusion

Harvesting garlic scapes is a simple step that yields dual rewards: a delicious, versatile vegetable for your kitchen and increased garlic bulb size and quality for harvest. By knowing when to snip the scapes—ideally when they first curl—and how to remove them carefully without damaging the plant, you help your garlic crop thrive. Fresh scapes can be stored, frozen, or cooked into a myriad of tasty dishes, making them a delightful addition to your summer kitchen collection before the bulbs mature underground.

Enjoy the process of harvesting and savor the rich flavors of both scapes and mature garlic in your garden to table journey.