Garlic Harvest Guide: When to Harvest Garlic, How to Cure It & Delicious Ways to Use It

If you've been patiently watching your garlic grow all season, congratulations—garlic harvest season has arrived! One of the most common questions we hear at Mad River Garlic Growers is:

 

"How do I know when my garlic is ready to harvest?"

 

The answer depends on the type of garlic you're growing. Harvesting at the right time helps ensure larger bulbs, better storage, and the rich flavor that home gardeners love.

Whether you're growing hardneck garlic, organic seed garlic, or planning ahead for fall garlic planting, this guide will help you harvest with confidence.

 

When to Harvest Garlic by Variety

Different garlic families mature at different times. Keeping an eye on your leaves is one of the easiest ways to know when it's time to dig.

Asiatic & Turban Garlic — Early Harvesters

• Harvest when about 5 green leaves remain
• These are often the first garlic varieties ready each season
• Check them frequently since they mature quickly

Artichoke & Creole Garlic — Mid-Early Harvesters

• Harvest when 5–6 green leaves remain
• Creole garlic thrives in warmer climates and may mature slightly later depending on your growing region

Rocambole & Purple Stripe Garlic — Mid-Season Harvesters

• Harvest when about half of the leaves remain green
• These varieties are prized for their exceptional flavor and beautiful bulbs

Porcelain Garlic — Late Harvesters

• Wait until 5–6 green leaves remain
• Known for producing large cloves with outstanding storage life and bold garlic flavor

How to Harvest Garlic Properly

Once your garlic reaches the right stage, follow these simple steps to protect your harvest.

1. Stop Watering

Stop watering approximately two weeks before harvest. Drier soil makes harvesting easier and helps begin the curing process.

2. Loosen the Soil

Use a garden fork or shovel to gently loosen the soil around each bulb. Never pull garlic by the stem—this can separate the stalk from the bulb and reduce storage life.

3. Shake Off the Dirt

Remove excess soil, but avoid washing the bulbs. Moisture can interfere with proper curing.

4. Cure Your Garlic

Lay garlic in a shaded, dry location with excellent airflow for 3–4 weeks.

Proper curing:

• Improves flavor
• Extends storage life
• Preserves the protective wrappers

5. Trim & Store

After curing:

• Trim the roots
• Cut the stalks (unless you're braiding softneck garlic)
• Store bulbs in a cool, dry location with good ventilation

 

Thinking Ahead? It's Time to Order Seed Garlic

Harvest season is also the perfect time to start planning next year's crop.

At Mad River Garlic Growers, we grow and ship certified organic seed garlic that is selected for exceptional flavor, healthy growth, and strong performance across the country.

When you order from us:

• We select varieties suited to your growing region
• We ship at the ideal planting time for your climate
• You'll receive healthy, certified organic seed garlic ready for fall planting

Whether you're planting a backyard garden or expanding your homestead, fall is the best time to grow a successful garlic crop.

 

Shop Certified Organic Seed Garlic for Fall Planting

The harvest is underway, and many popular varieties sell out quickly each season.

Browse our collection of certified organic seed garlic today and reserve your favorites before they're gone.