How to Tell if Garlic Is Ready to Harvest: Proven Signs and Expert Tips
How to Tell if Garlic Is Ready to Harvest?
To tell if garlic is ready to harvest, look for indicators such as partially green leaves, wilted and drying tops, and a ratio of half brown leaves and half green leaves.
Other signs include the formation of garlic scapes for hardneck garlic and checking the size of a random bulb by lightly digging around it.
Harvesting too early can result in smaller bulbs, while harvesting too late can lead to over-ripening and vulnerability to pests and diseases.
After harvest, garlic should be stored in a dark, dry place with good air circulation and can be used within 3 weeks or within 7 to 10 days after breaking open a head.
Key Points:
- Look for partially green leaves, wilted and drying tops, and a ratio of half brown leaves and half green leaves as indicators that garlic is ready to harvest.
- Check for the formation of garlic scapes for hardneck garlic and assess the size of a random bulb by lightly digging around it.
- Harvesting too early can result in smaller bulbs, while harvesting too late can lead to over-ripening and vulnerability to pests and diseases.
- Store harvested garlic in a dark, dry place.
- Ensure good air circulation for stored garlic.
- Use garlic within 3 weeks or within 7 to 10 days after breaking open a head.
Did You Know?
1. Garlic plants are typically ready to be harvested when the bottom leaves turn brown and start to wither. This indicates that the bulbs have reached maturity and are ready for picking.
2. Did you know that a single garlic bulb contains an average of 10-20 individual cloves? Each clove has the potential to grow into a new garlic plant if properly planted and cared for.
3. Garlic bulbs are rarely used to grow new plants due to the time it takes for them to mature. Instead, most garlic growers use the cloves (smaller sections of the bulb) to propagate new plants, as they require less time to reach maturity.
4. Unlike many other crops, the signs of ripeness for garlic are mostly visible above the ground. Besides the browning leaves, look out for the “scape” – the curly flower stalk that grows from the center of the plant. Cutting off the scape before it straightens out can allow the plant to focus more energy on bulb development.
5. When harvesting garlic, it is essential to handle the bulbs delicately to avoid bruising or damaging them. Bruised garlic is more susceptible to rot and won’t store well. To ensure longer storage life, it’s recommended to gently brush off any dirt or loose outer layers and let the bulbs air dry for a few weeks before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Indicators Of Garlic Maturity
Garlic is a popular crop that is usually planted in the fall and harvested from late spring to mid-summer. It takes approximately eight to nine months for garlic to reach maturity. However, the exact timing of the harvest depends on several factors, including the date of planting, weather conditions, and the specific type of garlic being grown.
When it comes to determining if garlic is ready to harvest, the leaves of the garlic plant can serve as a helpful indicator. Garlic is considered mature when its leaves are still partially green. As the garlic plant matures, the tops of the plant start to dry up and wilt, signaling that it is time for harvest. For a reliable indication that the garlic is ready, look for a stage where half of the leaves have died off, while the other half are still green. Waiting until all the leaves have died off can result in cloves separating and poor storage, so it’s important to harvest at the optimal time.
Another indicator for when to start checking the size of the bulbs is the formation of garlic scapes. These scapes typically appear about four to six weeks before the garlic reaches maturity. The presence of scapes can help in gauging the development of the bulbs. Additionally, when at least 50 to 75 percent of the garlic crop displays half brown and half green leaves, it is advised to stop watering for a week to allow the soil to dry out, which aids in the curing process.
- The leaves of the garlic plant are a helpful indicator of maturity.
- Half green leaves and half wilted leaves signal that it’s time for harvest.
- Garlic scapes indicate the development of the bulbs.
- Stop watering when 50 to 75 percent of the garlic crop shows half brown and half green leaves to aid in the curing process.
Harvesting Garlic At The Right Time
To determine if garlic is ready for harvest, a simple test can be conducted. Begin by lightly digging around a random bulb and examining its size. If the bulb appears substantial, with tight wrappers and plump cloves, it is an indication that the garlic is ready to be harvested. It is crucial to avoid washing the garlic or removing the bulb wrappers after harvest to prevent moisture and fungal infestations.
The timing of garlic maturity varies depending on the variety. Asiatic and Turban garlic varieties typically mature earlier, while Silverskins mature later. In regions with warmer climates, garlic is typically harvested in late May to early June. In contrast, in northern climates, harvest occurs in late July to August. It is important to avoid harvesting garlic too early as it can result in smaller bulbs with thin wrappers that are more susceptible to rot. Conversely, if garlic is harvested too late, the bulbs may over-ripen, forming shoots from each clove and making them vulnerable to pests and diseases.
- Lightly dig around a random bulb and examine its size
- If the bulb looks substantial with tight wrappers and plump cloves, it is ready for harvest
- Do not wash or remove the bulb wrappers after harvesting
- Timing of maturity varies depending on the garlic variety
- Asiatic and Turban varieties mature earlier, while Silverskins mature later
- In warmer regions, harvest occurs in late May to early June
- In northern climates, harvest occurs in late July to August
- Avoid harvesting garlic too early to prevent smaller bulbs with thin wrappers
- Avoid harvesting garlic too late to prevent bulbs from over-ripening and forming shoots
- Both early and late harvests can make garlic susceptible to rot, pests, and diseases.
“Moisture and fungal infestations can be prevented by leaving the garlic as it is.”
Curing Garlic For Storage
After garlic has been harvested, it needs to be cured before it can be stored. Curing involves drying out the bulbs, which requires ample airflow and a cool place. It is essential to avoid direct sunlight during the curing process.
Drying racks are recommended for curing garlic, as they provide proper ventilation. These racks can also be used for drying other vegetables and herbs. If you prefer a DIY approach, it is relatively easy to create your own drying rack using screen material stapled to a scrap wood frame. The drying rack can then be placed on a stack of bricks or buckets in a cool, well-ventilated space such as a garage. It is important to allow air flow underneath the drying rack to promote efficient drying.
An alternative method for curing garlic is to hang the bulbs in bunches. This can be achieved by securing the stalks with twine and suspending them in a location with good air circulation, such as a garage. Garlic stalks can also be braided together for storage, creating an aesthetically pleasing display.
Different Methods For Removing Garlic Bulbs
The best method for removing garlic bulbs depends on the variety that has been planted. For Turban, Artichoke, and Silverskin varieties, a pitchfork or spade can be used to dig up the bulbs gently. On the other hand, hardneck varieties like Rocambole and Porcelain can usually be pulled out by hand.
It is crucial to be mindful during the harvesting process and avoid bruising or breaking the bulbs beneath the soil. Any damage to the bulbs can affect their storage life and result in degraded quality. In addition to being careful with the bulbs themselves, it is also important to be mindful of the soil. Squirrels dislike garlic but are attracted to disturbed garden soil. To deter them, mulching the bed with straw and using hen manure are effective measures.
Drying And Cleaning Garlic After Harvest
After the garlic has been harvested and cured, it is time to prepare it for storage. Start by cleaning the garlic bulbs, removing any dirt, debris, and the outermost dried layer. The long stalk should be trimmed off to have individual cloves similar to those found in grocery stores. This step ensures that the garlic bulbs are clean and ready for use.
Previously, I stored garlic bulbs in a flat-bottomed bowl. However, I learned a clever storage idea from Jessica’s video, where she places the bulbs in empty egg cartons. Egg cartons provide individual compartments for the garlic bulbs, preventing them from rolling around and getting damaged. This storage method allows for easy access and organization, ensuring that the garlic remains in optimal condition for an extended period.
In conclusion, knowing when to harvest garlic requires attention to various indicators, including the appearance of the leaves, scapes, and the ratio of brown to green leaves. Harvesting at the right time is crucial to ensure the best quality and storage potential of the bulbs. After harvesting, the garlic needs to be cured, typically using drying racks or by hanging in well-ventilated areas. Removing the bulbs from the soil should be done carefully to avoid any damage. Finally, cleaning the garlic and storing it properly is essential for long-term use and enjoyment of this versatile and flavorful vegetable.
- Harvesting garlic requires attention to various indicators
- Appearance of the leaves, scapes, and the ratio of brown to green leaves
- Curing garlic after harvesting
- Using drying racks or hanging in well-ventilated areas
- Careful removal from soil to avoid damage
- Cleaning and storing garlic properly for long-term use
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should garlic sit after harvesting?
Properly curing garlic after harvesting is crucial to ensure its flavor and longevity. Once the garlic is harvested, it should be placed in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for approximately 2-3 weeks. During this time, the garlic undergoes a curing process, allowing the bulbs to dry and develop their distinctive flavor and texture. Adequate airflow and avoidance of sunlight promote the even drying of the garlic cloves, resulting in a well-cured final product that can be stored for an extended period.
What does garlic look like when growing?
When garlic is growing, it initially appears as a bulb with multiple cloves tightly packed together. As it emerges from the soil, it forms a tall leafy green stalk that stands upright. Unlike onions, garlic does not typically produce a flower stalk or scape, unless it is a hardneck variety. Instead, the focus remains on the growth and development of the bulb itself, which expands and divides into individual cloves. The vibrant sight of a field of garlic plants showcases these tall green stalks, adding a touch of elegance to the agricultural landscape.
How long should garlic sit?
To maximize the health benefits of garlic, it is recommended to allow the chopped cloves to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. During this time, the released enzymes can react with oxygen and encourage the formation of beneficial sulfide compounds like allicin. Allowing the chopped garlic to rest ensures that these compounds have fully developed before heat is applied, preventing the enzymes from being inactivated prematurely.
Do you have to dry garlic after picking?
While garlic is indeed edible straight from the ground, drying it is necessary for long-term storage. This curing process involves allowing the garlic to dry naturally, which causes the skin to shrink and become papery. This outer layer acts as a protective barrier, guarding the garlic against moisture and mold, ensuring its freshness for an extended period of time in the pantry. So, although not absolutely required, drying garlic after picking is crucial for maintaining its quality and longevity.