When to Harvest Garlic and How to Cure It
How to tell when garlic is ready, harvesting fall- and spring-planted garlic, lifting bulbs without damage, curing garlic and preparing it for storage.
Harvest garlic when the lower third to half of the leaves have turned brown while the upper leaves are still green, usually in June or July for autumn-planted garlic in the Northern Hemisphere. Each green leaf represents one layer of wrapper around the bulb, so harvesting at this stage keeps bulbs well protected for storage.
Signs Garlic Is Ready
- About 5–6 green leaves remain, the rest are brown.
- Hardneck scapes have straightened (if you left one).
- A test bulb dug up has full, plump cloves and tight wrappers.
Harvested too early, cloves are small; too late, bulbs split open and store poorly.
How to Harvest
- Stop watering 1–2 weeks before harvest.
- Loosen the soil with a fork a few centimetres from the bulb.
- Lift the plant gently; do not pull by the stem.
- Brush off soil; do not wash the bulbs.
Curing Garlic
Hang garlic in bundles or lay it on racks in a dry, shady, well-ventilated place for 2–4 weeks, until the neck is dry and the wrappers are papery. Then cut stems about 2–3 cm above the bulb (or braid softnecks) and trim roots.
Spring-Planted Garlic
Garlic planted in spring is usually ready in mid to late summer, a few weeks later than autumn-planted garlic.
More Garlic Guides
- How to Grow Garlic: The Complete Guide
- How to store garlic
- Why garlic bulbs are small
- Garlic fertilizer
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when garlic is ready to harvest?
When the bottom third to half of the leaves are brown.
How long should garlic cure?
About 2–4 weeks in a dry, shady, airy spot.
Can you eat garlic right after harvest?
Yes, fresh "green" garlic is delicious; curing is for storage.
TarlaTapan guides focus on practical, field-tested growing advice. Corrections and suggestions are welcome at info@tarlatapan.tr.