When should garlic scapes be trimmed?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.As indicated garlic scapes, should be pruned when there are 1 to 2 tight curls above the plant. I missed it once and then tried to let the scapes straighten, and the bulb size decreased by 30%. Use sterilized pruning shears and cut 1 inch above the top leaf. At this point, the garlic plant can direct energy to the bulb formation phase without putting the plant under stress.
Timing Indicators
- Cut when scape tip points downward
- Harvest before floral bulbils develop
- Morning trimming reduces sap loss
- 7-10 days after initial curl formation
Cutting Techniques
- Angle cuts away from central stalk
- Disinfect tools with 70% alcohol between plants
- Remove entire scape including fibrous base
- Avoid damaging surrounding leaves
For optimal culinary performance, process the trimmed scapes in no more than 4 hours after harvesting. I take chopped scapes combine them into an ice cube tray with extra virgin olive oil, and freeze them for use in the off-season. Leftover wounds of the plant tissue should be sprinkled and dusted with cinnamon powder, a natural fungicide that will combat infection while the plant tissue heals.
After the first trim, regularly check your plants for secondary scapes/next growth 10-14 days later. Hardneck varieties will regrow scapes if cut too early. Keep removing the new shoots. Last season, my German White garlic produced 2-pound bulbs after trimming three times.
Read the full article: When to Harvest Garlic: Expert Tips for Perfect Timing
