Should garlic scapes be removed?

The removal of garlic scapes is one important practice I started doing once I noticed the bulb size difference. Scapes are the flower stalks that hardneck garlic makes in early summer. Leaving them on uses up energy and resources that could be used for growing a bulb. When you cut them off, it redirects them downward and improves yield.

Time scape removal for optimal return. Cut when stalks are at one complete curl before becoming straight. Use sterilized scissors with alcohol. Make clean cuts immediately above the top leaf. Harvest in the early mornings, when the plants are hydrated. This minimizes the stress of garlic plants.

Once harvested, store scapes properly. You can refrigerate loosely wrapped in damp paper towels for 3 weeks, or you can freeze chopped scapes in oil and have them available for cooking all year. My favorite recipe is scape pesto, which involves blending scapes, basil, and pine nuts with olive oil. It perfectly preserves the flavors of early summer.

Understand what happens if scapes remain. Plants waste energy making non-viable bulbils. These aerial cloves are too small and don't develop properly. Bulbs also tend to get smaller and have looser wrappers. In my trials, removal consistently resulted in more marketable garlic regardless of the weather.

Make modifications for varieties. Hardneck garlics consistently grow scapes, which will need to be removed. Elephant garlic scapes will need to be cut earlier due to their larger stalks. Softnecks do not produce scapes, which makes growing softer, and not managing the scapes helps. Each year, you harvest, record the outcomes, and adjust your practice based on your results.

Read the full article: When to Harvest Garlic and How to Do It Right