Garlic scapes are the tender, curling flower stalks produced by hardneck varieties of garlic in the late spring or early summer. They are a culinary bonus, offering a mild, fresh garlic flavor that is less pungent than the mature bulb. Scapes can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pesto, stir-fries, or pickled. Harvesting the scape at the precise moment maximizes both the quality of the edible stalk and the size of the underground garlic bulb.
Visual Cues for Peak Harvest Time
The ideal window for harvesting scapes is visually distinct and relatively brief, ensuring the stalk is at its most tender and flavorful. Scapes emerge from the center of the garlic plant as a stiff, cylindrical stem that eventually grows above the leaves. Harvest when the scape has formed one to one-and-a-half complete loops or curls.
At this stage, the scape is still succulent, with a crisp texture desirable for cooking. Waiting too long allows the scape to continue its reproductive cycle, causing the stalk to straighten vertically. Once the scape starts to straighten, it rapidly becomes woody and fibrous, making it less palatable for fresh use. Late-harvested scapes lose their pleasant texture, though they may still be used for oil infusions or pesto.
The Importance of Timely Removal
Removing the garlic scape is based on the plant’s natural energy allocation. The scape is the plant’s reproductive structure, and if it remains, the plant directs energy toward the developing flower and seed head. This energy expenditure comes at the direct expense of the underground bulb.
By removing the scape at the correct time, the plant redirects that energy back into the subterranean bulb, significantly increasing its final size. Studies show this timely removal can increase the mature bulb size by 20 to 30 percent. Removing the scape also serves as a timing indicator, as the main garlic bulb is typically ready for harvest about four to six weeks later.
Proper Harvesting Technique
Removing the scape requires precision to avoid damaging the main garlic plant. Sharp, clean tools such as pruning shears, scissors, or a knife are recommended for a clean cut. Make the cut on the scape stem close to the top leaf node, where the stalk emerges from the foliage.
Avoid cutting into the surrounding leaves, as each leaf corresponds to a protective wrapper layer on the developing bulb. Damaging the leaves can reduce the bulb’s size and compromise its ability to store well. Never pull or tear the scape, as this action can injure the main stem and open a wound, making the plant susceptible to disease. Ideally, harvest in the late morning or early afternoon when the plant’s wound can quickly heal.