Garlic Flowers: What They Are and How to Use Them

Garlic flowers, also known as garlic scapes, are the edible flowering stalks produced by hardneck garlic varieties (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon) before they bloom. These curly green stalks offer a mild, fresh garlic flavor and appear in late spring to early summer, providing gardeners and cooks with a versatile seasonal ingredient that enhances dishes without overwhelming heat.

What Exactly Are Garlic Flowers?

Garlic flowers, more accurately called garlic scapes, represent the flower stalks of hardneck garlic varieties. Unlike softneck garlic commonly found in supermarkets, hardneck varieties send up these distinctive curly stalks as part of their reproductive cycle. The scape eventually develops into a flower cluster called a bulbil, which contains tiny garlic cloves.

These edible stalks feature a tender, hollow structure with a subtle garlic flavor that's significantly milder than mature garlic cloves. When harvested at the right time, they provide gardeners with an additional harvest while simultaneously improving bulb development.

Garlic Flower Development Timeline

Understanding the garlic flower lifecycle helps determine optimal harvest timing. According to agricultural research from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, hardneck garlic follows this predictable pattern:

Stage	Timing	Visual Characteristics
Initial emergence	4-6 weeks before harvest	Straight green shoots appearing above soil
Curled scape stage	2-3 weeks before bulb harvest	Distinctive curling shape, about 8-12 inches long
Flower bud formation	1-2 weeks before bulb harvest	Beginning to straighten, flower bud visible at tip
Full bloom	At or after bulb harvest	Straightened stalk with open flowers and bulbils

Harvesting scapes during the curled stage (typically May-June in northern climates) yields the most tender texture and best flavor while directing the plant's energy toward bulb development.

Why Harvest Garlic Flowers?

Removing garlic scapes serves multiple purposes for both gardeners and cooks:

• Improved bulb size - Research from Oregon State University Extension Service confirms that removing scapes can increase bulb size by 15-25% by redirecting the plant's energy
• Extended harvest season - Provides an additional edible product before the main garlic bulb harvest
• Prevents bolting - Stops the plant from diverting energy to seed production
• Waste reduction - Utilizes a part of the plant that would otherwise go to waste

Harvesting Techniques for Maximum Quality

Proper harvesting technique ensures both plant health and optimal scape quality:

1. Timing - Harvest when scapes have made 1-1.5 full curls but before they begin straightening toward vertical
2. Method - Use clean garden shears to cut the scape 1-2 inches above where it emerges from the top leaf
3. Frequency - Check plants every 2-3 days during peak season as scapes develop quickly
4. Amount - Remove all scapes from each plant; leaving some can create uneven energy distribution

Avoid pulling scapes off by hand, as this can damage the plant and reduce bulb quality. The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture notes that proper scape removal contributes to healthier garlic plants with better disease resistance.

Culinary Applications of Garlic Flowers

Garlic scapes offer remarkable versatility in the kitchen due to their mild, fresh flavor profile. Unlike mature garlic cloves which contain allicin (the compound responsible for strong garlic flavor and aroma), scapes contain lower concentrations, making them more versatile.

According to flavor analysis from the Culinary Institute of America, garlic scapes provide:

• Approximately 1/3 the pungency of mature garlic cloves
• Subtle grassy notes similar to green onions
• A fresh, slightly sweet undertone when raw
• A mellow, nutty flavor when cooked

Professional chefs recommend these preparation techniques for optimal flavor extraction:

• Raw applications - Finely chop for salads, compound butters, or as a garnish
• Sautéing - Cook over medium heat until tender-crisp for pasta dishes or stir-fries
• Blanching - Briefly dip in boiling water before pickling or freezing
• Pureeing - Blend with olive oil, salt, and nuts for pesto or aioli

Storage Guidelines for Freshness Preservation

Proper storage extends the shelf life of garlic scapes while maintaining quality. The University of California Cooperative Extension provides these evidence-based recommendations:

• Short-term storage (1-2 weeks) - Place upright in a glass with 1 inch of water (like cut flowers) and cover loosely with a plastic bag in the refrigerator
• Medium-term storage (2-4 weeks) - Wrap in slightly damp paper towels and store in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer
• Long-term preservation (6-12 months) - Blanch for 90 seconds, cool in ice water, then freeze in airtight containers

Never store garlic scapes at room temperature for extended periods, as they'll quickly become fibrous and lose flavor. For best culinary results, use within 10 days of harvest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Garlic Flowers

Even experienced gardeners and cooks sometimes make these errors with garlic scapes:

• Harvesting too late - Waiting until scapes straighten results in tough, fibrous stalks with diminished flavor
• Overcooking - Extended heat exposure turns scapes mushy and diminishes their delicate flavor
• Improper storage - Keeping scapes in sealed plastic bags without moisture control causes premature spoilage
• Wasting parts - The entire scape is edible, including the bulbil at the tip, though tougher parts may need more cooking

Remember that garlic scapes represent a seasonal specialty available for only 3-4 weeks in most climates. Making the most of this brief harvest window ensures you capture their unique flavor profile at its peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat garlic flowers raw?

Yes, garlic flowers (scapes) can be eaten raw. They have a mild, fresh garlic flavor that's significantly less pungent than mature garlic cloves. Finely chop raw scapes for salads, compound butters, or as a garnish to add subtle garlic flavor without overwhelming heat.

How do garlic flowers differ from garlic cloves in flavor?

Garlic flowers (scapes) offer a milder, fresher flavor profile compared to mature garlic cloves. They contain approximately one-third the pungency of cloves, with subtle grassy notes similar to green onions and a slightly sweet undertone when raw. When cooked, they develop a mellow, nutty flavor rather than the sharp bite of cooked garlic cloves.

When is the best time to harvest garlic flowers?

The optimal time to harvest garlic flowers (scapes) is when they've formed 1-1.5 complete curls but before they begin straightening toward vertical. This typically occurs 2-3 weeks before bulb harvest, usually in late spring to early summer depending on your climate. Harvesting at this stage ensures tender texture and best flavor while directing energy to bulb development.

Do all garlic varieties produce edible flowers?

No, only hardneck garlic varieties (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon) produce the edible flowering stalks known as scapes. Softneck garlic varieties, which are more common in supermarkets, rarely produce scapes. If you want to grow garlic specifically for its flowers, choose hardneck varieties like 'Music', 'German Extra Hardy', or 'Spanish Roja'.