How do you know when garlic is ready to harvest?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Timing is important to ensure healthy garlic bulbs and yields. You want to harvest garlic when 40-50 percent of the lower leaves have yellowed, while the upper leaves remain green. You may want to test one plant first to be sure your garlic is ready to harvest. Gently brush the soil off the bulbs after pulling them. If the cloves fill the wrappers without any visible gaps or splits, your garlic should be considered mature.
Moisture in the soil determines whether your harvest is successful or not. Digging bulbs during dry weather will help lessen rot. I made the mistake of harvesting after rainfall and the wet bulbs were molded within days. Always allow at least 48 hours from the rain before digging. To harvest, I put my garden fork at an angle away from the stem, to avoid nicking any of the cloves.
Curing Essentials
- Hang bulbs in 60-70°F shaded areas for 21 days
- Maintain 50-60% humidity using hygrometers
- Space bulbs 4 inches apart on mesh racks
- Trim roots to 1/4 inch post-curing
Storage Solutions
- Store hardnecks at 32-40°F for 6 months
- Keep softnecks at 50-60°F up to 12 months
- Use breathable containers like cotton sacks
- Check monthly for sprouting or soft spots
To prevent the presence of mold, I suggest you change the location of garlic storage once a year. My cellar shelves used to have almost asked about recurring mold bays until I decided to wipe them down with vinegar. In a humid climate, it is also beneficial to keep silica gel packets in your storage area. Watch your bulbs every week; remove bulbs that are showing any signs of white fuzz right away.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Garlic: Expert Tips for Perfect Timing
