Garlic Flowering: When to Remove Scapes for Bigger Bulbs

If you're noticing your garlic plants producing flower stalks (scapes), here's the essential information: Removing garlic scapes typically increases bulb size by 20-30% as the plant redirects energy from flowering to bulb development. This practice applies specifically to hardneck garlic varieties, which produce scapes, while softneck varieties rarely flower. The optimal time to remove scapes is when they form their first curl but before they straighten out.

Understanding Garlic Flowering: What Every Gardener Needs to Know

When your garlic plants begin sending up those distinctive curly flower stalks, commonly called scapes, it's a critical moment in your garlic growing season. Many gardeners wonder whether to leave these flowers or remove them, and the answer significantly impacts your final harvest.

Why Garlic Plants Flower: The Science Behind Scapes

Garlic flowering represents the plant's natural reproductive cycle. Hardneck garlic varieties (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon) produce scapes as part of their biological process to create bulbils (tiny aerial cloves) at the flower head. This flowering mechanism serves as the plant's backup reproduction method when underground cloves might not survive harsh conditions.

According to research from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, garlic plants initiate scape formation in response to specific temperature and day length conditions. The flowering process typically begins in late spring when temperatures consistently reach 60-75°F (15-24°C) with increasing daylight hours.

Hardneck vs. Softneck: Which Garlic Varieties Flower?

Garlic Type	Flowering Behavior	Common Varieties	Best For
Hardneck	Produces prominent scapes annually	Rocambole, Porcelain, Purple Stripe	Colder climates, distinct flavor profiles
Softneck	Rarely produces scapes	Silverskin, Artichoke	Warmer climates, longer storage

This distinction matters because scape removal primarily benefits hardneck varieties. Softneck garlic, commonly found in grocery stores, seldom produces scapes, making this gardening technique irrelevant for these types.

The Impact of Scapes on Your Garlic Bulb Yield

When garlic plants divert energy to flower production, they necessarily reduce the resources allocated to bulb development. A multi-year study conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension documented that garlic plants with scapes removed produced bulbs 20-30% larger than those left to flower naturally.

The energy redirection works like this:

• Without scape removal: 15-20% of the plant's energy goes to flower and bulbil production
• With timely scape removal: Nearly all energy redirects to bulb development
• Result: Larger, more uniform cloves with better storage potential

Professional garlic growers consistently remove scapes as standard practice. The Rodale Institute's organic farming research confirms that this simple intervention significantly improves marketable yield without requiring additional inputs.

When and How to Remove Garlic Scapes Properly

Timing is critical for maximizing your garlic harvest. The optimal window for scape removal occurs when:

• The scape has made its first complete curl but hasn't yet straightened out
• Typically late May to early June in most temperate climates
• When the scape feels firm but still flexible

Proper removal technique:

1. Identify the scape emerging from the center of the leaf cluster
2. Grasp the scape about 3-4 inches above where it emerges
3. Gently but firmly pull downward at a 45-degree angle
4. The scape should snap cleanly at the base
5. Alternatively, use clean garden snips for a precise cut

Avoid waiting until scapes have straightened completely, as this indicates the plant has already invested significant energy in flowering. Late removal provides minimal yield benefit. Conversely, removing scapes too early (when barely visible) can damage emerging leaves.

Don't Waste Those Scapes: Culinary Treasure

Garlic scapes aren't just garden waste—they're a delicious seasonal ingredient. With a milder garlic flavor than mature cloves, scapes work wonderfully in:

• Pesto (substitute for basil or blend with traditional ingredients)
• Stir-fries (add during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking)
• Pickled preserves (excellent with vinegar, salt, and spices)
• Grilled vegetable medleys (toss with olive oil before grilling)

According to the USDA's National Nutrient Database, garlic scapes contain similar beneficial compounds to mature garlic cloves but with less pungency, making them more versatile in raw applications. Store harvested scapes in a plastic bag in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Special Considerations for Different Growing Conditions

While scape removal generally benefits garlic growth, certain conditions require special attention:

• Cooler climates: Remove scapes promptly as the growing season is shorter
• Warmer zones: Monitor closely as heat accelerates scape development
• Seed saving: If collecting bulbils for propagation, allow some scapes to mature
• Drought conditions: Prioritize water over scape removal if plants show stress

The Agricultural Research Service notes that in regions with early heat waves, garlic may bolt prematurely. In these cases, remove scapes immediately upon appearance to minimize yield impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Flowering Garlic

Even experienced gardeners sometimes make these scape-related errors:

• Partial removal: Cutting only the flower head leaves the stalk, which continues draining energy
• Waiting too long: Straightened scapes indicate significant energy investment in flowering
• Using dull tools: Causes tearing rather than clean removal, inviting disease
• Ignoring weather: Removing scapes before heavy rain increases infection risk

For optimal results, perform scape removal on dry mornings when plants are least stressed. This timing allows wounds to heal before evening moisture increases.

Do all garlic varieties produce flower stalks?

No, only hardneck garlic varieties produce scapes (flower stalks). Softneck varieties, which are more common in grocery stores, rarely flower. Hardneck types include Rocambole, Porcelain, and Purple Stripe varieties, while Silverskin and Artichoke are softneck types that seldom produce scapes.

What happens if I don't remove garlic scapes?

If you leave scapes on your garlic plants, the plant will divert 15-20% of its energy to flower and bulbil production instead of bulb development. Research shows this typically results in 20-30% smaller bulbs compared to plants where scapes were removed at the proper time.

When is the best time to remove garlic scapes?

The optimal time is when the scape has formed its first complete curl but hasn't yet straightened out, usually in late spring. This typically occurs 3-4 weeks before harvest time. The scape should feel firm but still flexible. Removing them too early can damage leaves, while waiting too long provides minimal yield benefit.

Are garlic scapes edible and how should I use them?

Yes, garlic scapes are completely edible and considered a seasonal delicacy. They have a milder garlic flavor than mature cloves. Use them in pesto, stir-fries, pickles, or grilled vegetable dishes. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They contain similar beneficial compounds to garlic cloves but with less pungency, making them more versatile in raw applications.

Can I grow new garlic from the flower heads?

Yes, the flower heads (umbels) contain bulbils that can grow into new garlic plants. If you're saving seeds, allow some scapes to mature fully. However, bulbils take 2-3 years to develop into full-sized bulbs, making this propagation method slower than planting cloves. Most gardeners prefer using cloves for reliable, same-season results.