Garlic Scapes: When to Cut Them and How to Use Them
What garlic scapes are, why cutting them gives bigger bulbs, when and how to cut scapes, and how to use and store them in the kitchen.
Garlic scapes are the curly flower stalks that hardneck garlic sends up in late spring to early summer. Cutting them when they make one or two curls redirects energy to the bulb, typically increasing bulb size by 10–30%, and gives you a tasty harvest weeks before the garlic itself.
When to Cut Scapes
- Usually 3–4 weeks before the bulbs are ready, in late May to June in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Cut when the scape has formed one or two loops and is still tender.
- If left until straight and woody, they become tough and the bulb loses size.
How to Cut
Snap or cut the scape just above the top leaf. Do this on a dry day so the wound seals quickly.
Should You Ever Leave Scapes?
Leave a few if you want bulbils (tiny cloves in the flower head) for propagation, or if you want to know when the garlic is ready: when the scape straightens, harvest is close.
How to Use Garlic Scapes
- Pesto: blend with olive oil, nuts and cheese.
- Stir-fries and omelettes: cut into short pieces like green beans.
- Grilled: toss with oil and salt.
- Pickled for winter.
Store scapes in a bag in the fridge for 2–3 weeks or freeze chopped scapes.
More Garlic Guides
- How to Grow Garlic: The Complete Guide
- When to harvest and cure garlic
- How to store garlic
- Why garlic bulbs are small
Frequently Asked Questions
Do garlic scapes make bigger bulbs if cut?
Yes, removing scapes usually increases bulb size noticeably.
Does softneck garlic produce scapes?
Rarely; scapes are typical of hardneck garlic.
TarlaTapan guides focus on practical, field-tested growing advice. Corrections and suggestions are welcome at info@tarlatapan.tr.