Garlic scapes are the tender, edible flowering stalk that emerges from the center of a hardneck garlic plant. This seasonal delicacy signals the imminent growth of the underground bulb, offering a mild, grassy, and delicate garlicky-onion flavor distinct from the pungent cloves. Harvesting scapes provides an early culinary treat while simultaneously ensuring a larger, more robust final garlic harvest. This guide details the process from variety selection through to post-harvest care.
Selecting Hardneck Varieties
Scapes only grow on hardneck varieties (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon). Softneck garlic varieties (A. sativum var. sativum) lack the rigid central flower stalk and will not produce scapes. Hardneck garlic is characterized by a stiff central stem and a single ring of fewer, larger cloves.
Gardeners seeking a generous scape harvest should select varieties known for robust scape growth. Rocambole types, such as ‘Killarney Red,’ are highly favored for their complex, nutty flavor and reliable scape emergence. Porcelain varieties, including ‘Music’ and ‘German White,’ also produce large, vigorous scapes. These varieties require a cold period, or vernalization, to trigger the development of the scape and the subsequent bulb.
Planting and Overwintering Garlic
Proper fall planting is the foundation for a healthy scape and bulb harvest. Garlic should be planted four to six weeks before the ground freezes, typically when the soil temperature drops to around 60°F. The planting site must offer full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter, ideally with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
Garlic is a heavy feeder, so incorporating generous amounts of compost or well-aged manure before planting ensures adequate nutrients. Separate the bulb into individual cloves, planting only the largest ones to produce the biggest resulting bulbs. Place each clove with the pointed end facing up, two to three inches deep in milder climates, or three to four inches deep in colder zones to prevent frost heaving.
The cloves should be spaced four to six inches apart to allow sufficient room for bulb development. Hardneck garlic requires six to twelve weeks of cold exposure (vernalization) below 40–45°F to stimulate bulb and scape formation. After planting, apply a four to six-inch layer of clean, seed-free straw or shredded leaves over the bed. This thick organic mulch insulates the soil, maintains a consistent temperature, and protects the establishing roots from extreme winter temperature fluctuations.
Identifying and Harvesting Scapes
Scapes emerge in late spring or early summer after successful overwintering. They typically appear in mid-May to mid-June in northern climates, signaling that the bulb harvest is about four to six weeks away. Scapes are easily identified by their stiff, smooth stalk that grows upward before curling into a distinctive spiral.
The optimal time to harvest is when the scape has formed one to two full coils but remains tender and has not yet begun to straighten out. Waiting too long allows the stalk to become woody, diminishing its culinary quality and directing energy away from the underground bulb. Use a sharp, clean pair of shears or a knife to make a precise cut.
The removal point should be one to two inches above the highest leaf node where the scape emerges from the main stalk. Do not cut any of the plant’s leaves, as these are the primary source of photosynthesis needed to fuel the final stage of bulb growth. Removing the scape prevents the plant from expending energy on flowering and seed production, resulting in a 20 to 30 percent increase in the final size of the underground bulb.
Post-Harvest Care for the Bulb
After the scapes are harvested, the remaining plant requires focused care to maximize the final bulb size. Continue to provide consistent moisture, aiming for about one inch of water per week through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. A lack of water can prematurely halt bulb growth while the plant is still actively photosynthesizing.
All supplemental nitrogen feeding should cease immediately after scape removal, as further nitrogen encourages leaf growth over bulb development. Maturation is signaled when the lower third to half of the plant’s leaves begin to yellow and dry out. At this point, gradually reduce and then stop all irrigation completely for two to three weeks before the planned harvest date. This drying period is necessary for the bulb to form its papery, protective wrappers, preventing rot and ensuring the garlic stores well after curing.