How do you know when garlic is ready to harvest?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Determining the ideal time to harvest garlic requires time and attention. I've learned through trial and error with my garden in Vermont. Look for changes in leaf color based on the type of garlic you are growing. The hardneck types are ready to harvest when the three bottom leaves turn brown and the top (four) leaves are green. For softnecks, the best time to harvest is when about half of the leaves are yellow.
Begin test digging bulbs three weeks before your anticipated harvest date. Dig up (very carefully!) one bulb each week to evaluate development. Mature bulbs are firm, with tight wrappers surrounding the cloves. Immature bulbs are similar to onions with loose wrappers. Over-mature bulbs tend to have cracked wrappers and cloves that have separated.
Hardneck Garlic
- Bottom 3-4 leaves completely brown
- Top 4-5 leaves still partially green
- Bulb wrapper tight around cloves
- Cloves fill wrapper without gaps
Softneck Garlic
- 50% of leaves yellowed or brown
- Lower leaves dry and papery
- Bulb diameter matches variety size
- Wrappers show visible segmentation
Weather greatly affects harvest timing. Surprising heat above 85°F speeds maturity and harvests earlier. Cool and rainy periods stall ripening. I stay close to the forecasts daily during the harvest window. I always stop irrigation 1-2 weeks before harvest to allow the soil to dry thoroughly.
The handling of harvested produce impacts storage success. Cure bulbs in a dark and well-ventilated area, ideally at 60-70°F (15-21°C) with a relative humidity level around 60% for proper drying. Hardneck varieties usually cure more quickly than softneck varieties. Proper curing creates flavor complexity and minimizes the likelihood of mold growth during storage.
To store your cured garlic, use breathable containers such as a mesh bag, store hardneck garlic between 60°F and 65°F, and softneck garlic at temperatures up to 70°F. Check every month, and remove any garlic that is soft or sprouted. By utilizing these methods, I can enjoy homegrown garlic throughout the entire year.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Garlic and How to Do It Right
