Garlic has become one of our favorite vegetables to grow since we figured out how to successfully grow garlic in our Zone 5 garden. Every June, while we’re still weeks away from harvesting full garlic bulbs, the plants give us an early bonus harvest: garlic scapes.
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These long, curly green stems grow from the center of hardneck garlic plants and are one of the first signs that garlic harvest season is getting closer.
Garlic scapes are edible, delicious, and surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. We love that they give us something fresh to harvest about a month before the garlic bulbs are ready to dig.
In this article, we’ll explain what garlic scapes are, when to harvest them, and some of our favorite ways to use them.
Quick Answer
Garlic scapes are the flower stalks produced by hardneck garlic plants. They are harvested in late spring or early summer before the flower fully develops. Removing garlic scapes helps the plant direct more energy into growing larger garlic bulbs. The scapes themselves are edible and can be used much like garlic, with a mild garlic flavor and tender texture.
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the flowering stalks that grow from hardneck garlic varieties.
As the garlic plant matures, a thick green stem emerges from the center of the plant and begins to curl. At the end of the stem is a flower bud called a spathe.
If left on the plant, the scape will eventually straighten and produce flowers and bulbils.
Most gardeners remove the scapes before this happens because it encourages the plant to put more energy into bulb development underground.
When Do Garlic Scapes Appear?
In Zone 5 gardens like ours, garlic scapes typically appear in June.
The exact timing depends on weather conditions and the garlic variety, but they usually emerge several weeks before garlic is ready to harvest.
Keep an eye on the center of your garlic plants. Once the curled stem appears, harvest time is approaching.
When to Harvest Garlic Scapes
Harvest garlic scapes when they have formed one full curl but before they begin to straighten.
In our Zone 5 garden, this usually happens in mid to late June, about a month before the garlic bulbs are ready to harvest. In 2026 we harvested our garlic scapes on June 16th.
Scapes harvested at this stage are tender, flavorful, and easy to cook with. If you wait too long, they can become tougher and more fibrous.
Should You Remove Garlic Scapes?
Yes, most gardeners remove garlic scapes from hardneck garlic plants.
Garlic scapes are the plant’s flower stalk. If left alone, the scape will continue to grow, eventually straightening out and producing flowers and small bulbils (tiny garlic-like structures).
Producing flowers requires energy from the plant. By removing the scapes, the garlic can redirect more of that energy into developing the underground bulb instead.
For gardeners growing garlic for large bulbs, removing the scapes is generally recommended. While the difference can vary depending on growing conditions, many gardeners notice larger bulbs at harvest when scapes are removed.
Another benefit is that you don’t have to waste the harvest. Garlic scapes are completely edible and can be used in a variety of dishes, giving you an extra crop from your garlic patch several weeks before the bulbs are ready to harvest.
What happens if you don’t remove garlic scapes?
If you leave garlic scapes on the plant, the garlic will continue to grow and produce a flower head.
The plant won’t die, and you’ll still harvest garlic bulbs later in the season. However, because some of the plant’s energy is being used to produce flowers and bulbils, the bulbs are often smaller than they would have been if the scapes had been removed.
Some gardeners intentionally leave a few scapes on their plants as indicators for harvest timing. As the scapes mature, they eventually straighten out, which can help signal that garlic harvest season is approaching.
Unless you’re interested in collecting bulbils for propagation or observing the flowering process, most home gardeners remove garlic scapes once they form a full curl and use them in the kitchen instead.
How to Harvest Garlic Scapes
Harvest garlic scapes once they have formed a complete curl but before they begin to straighten.
To harvest:
- Hold the stem near its base.
- Snap it off by hand or use clean garden pruners.
- Remove the tender portion above the leaves.
Freshly harvested scapes can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
What Do Garlic Scapes Taste Like?
Garlic scapes have a mild garlic flavor that is less intense than garlic cloves.
Their flavor is fresh, slightly sweet, and similar to a combination of garlic, green onions, and chives.
The younger the scape, the more tender it will be.
How to Use Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes can be used in many of the same ways as garlic.
Some popular uses include:
- Grilled on the BBQ
- Chopped into scrambled eggs
- Added to stir-fries
- Mixed into soups
- Roasted with vegetables
- Added to salads
- Blended into garlic scape pesto
- Mixed into compound butter
- Added to homemade dips
We often chop them and use them just as we would green onions or fresh garlic in everyday cooking.
If you’re looking for additional ways to preserve your garlic harvest, you can also make garlic tinctures using mature garlic bulbs later in the season.
Can You Eat Garlic Scapes Raw?
Yes. Garlic scapes can be eaten raw or cooked.
Raw scapes have a stronger flavor and a crisp texture, while cooking softens both the texture and flavor.
Can You Freeze Garlic Scapes?
Yes. Garlic scapes freeze very well.
Simply wash, dry, chop, and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for later use.
They’re a great way to preserve fresh garlic flavor from the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Scapes
Yes. Garlic scapes are completely edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
No. Only hardneck garlic varieties produce garlic scapes. Softneck garlic does not.
Fresh garlic scapes can last several weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a plastic bag or airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Garlic scapes are one of the earliest edible harvests from a garlic patch and shouldn’t go to waste.
By removing them at the right time, you’ll help your garlic bulbs grow larger while also harvesting a versatile ingredient for the kitchen.
Whether you chop them into eggs, blend them into pesto, or freeze them for later, garlic scapes are one of the best bonuses of growing hardneck garlic.
