Scape Season Has Arrived at Mad River Garlic Growers

One of the most exciting moments of the garlic growing season has officially arrived here at the farm — garlic scapes are starting to appear!

We’re beginning to see scapes forming on our Turban garlic varieties, which are typically the first garlic family to emerge each season. Every year, those first curly green shoots are a signal that summer is arriving and garlic harvest is getting closer.

A garlic scape is the flowering stalk produced by hardneck garlic varieties. The plant sends up this long green stem from the center of the leaves, eventually forming a curl or loop as it grows.

If left on the plant, the scape will eventually flower and attempt to produce bulbils (small aerial garlic seeds). Most growers remove the scape so the plant redirects its energy into producing larger garlic bulbs underground.

Scapes are one of the hidden treasures of growing hardneck garlic — not only are they important for bulb development, but they’re also delicious to eat.

One of the fun parts of growing multiple garlic families is seeing the different shapes and timing of their scapes.

Turbans are often the first garlic family to send up scapes. These varieties are early growers and early harvesters. Their scapes may form looser curls and tend to appear before most other garlic types.

Rocamboles are known for dramatic spirals and loops. These are often the classic “curly garlic scapes” people picture.

Purple Stripe scapes usually form graceful curves and medium-sized loops. They are beautiful in the garden and easy to harvest.

Porcelains tend to grow taller and sometimes straighter before eventually curling. Their thick stalks are sturdy and easy to spot.

Timing matters.

Most growers remove garlic scapes after the first full curl forms. At this point, the plant has invested enough energy into producing the stalk, and removing it helps redirect energy back into bulb growth.

If you wait too long:

• The stalk can become woody

• The plant may focus less on bulb sizing

• Garlic quality and storage can sometimes decline

We usually recommend checking your garlic every day or two once scapes begin forming because they can grow quickly.

Seeing scapes is also your reminder to stop feeding your garlic.

Earlier in the season, garlic benefits from nitrogen-rich fertilizing to support leaf growth.  But once scapes begin forming, the plant is entering bulb development mode.

Continuing to fertilize too late into the season can:

• Encourage excess leafy growth

• Delay bulb maturity

• Reduce storage quality

At this stage, let the plant focus on bulb production naturally.

Garlic scapes have a fresh, mild garlic flavor that’s less intense than mature garlic cloves. They’re tender, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

Think of them as a cross between garlic, green onions, and asparagus.

Garlic Scape Pesto

Probably the most popular scape recipe. Blend scapes with olive oil, parmesan, nuts, lemon juice, and salt for a bright summer pesto.

Toss with olive oil and grill until lightly charred. Perfect alongside steaks, burgers, or vegetables.

Chop into small pieces and add to stir fry dishes for a fresh garlic flavor.

Mix chopped scapes with potatoes, carrots, or summer vegetables before roasting.

Blend softened butter with finely chopped scapes for an amazing compound butter on bread, steak, or corn.

A crunchy and flavorful seasonal favorite.

Scape season is one of the most exciting and shortest parts of the garlic growing year. Depending on your climate and garlic varieties, the window may only last a few weeks.

So keep an eye on your garden, enjoy the curls, and don’t forget to harvest a few for dinner.

Happy Growing from all of us at Mad River Garlic Growers