Harvesting Garlic

How to Know When Your Garlic Is Ready to Harvest

It's nearing garlic harvest season, and you may be wondering if your bulbs are ready to dig. Harvesting garlic at the right time is important for bulb size, storage life, and flavor. With a few simple observations, you'll know exactly when it's time to bring in your crop.

When to Harvest Garlic

In general, garlic is ready to harvest when about 50% of the lower leaves have yellowed or died back while the upper leaves remain green. This typically occurs 8–9 months after planting.

Each leaf on the garlic plant corresponds to a protective wrapper around the bulb. Leaving enough green leaves ensures your garlic will have plenty of intact skins for storage.

At Honeyville Acres in Northern Utah (Zone 6b), we typically harvest garlic in early July. Harvest timing varies by region, occurring earlier in southern climates and later in northern growing zones. Weather conditions can also shift harvest dates slightly from year to year.

Check for Readiness

A few weeks before your expected harvest date, begin checking your garlic bulbs.

Gently dig up a test bulb and inspect it. The bulb should be well formed with plump cloves and several tight outer wrappers. If the cloves are still small or the skins appear thin, allow the garlic to continue growing for another week or two before checking again.

Keep in mind that maturity dates can vary by garlic variety.

Harvesting Garlic

Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil several inches away from the bulb. Avoid pulling garlic directly from compacted soil, as this can damage the bulb or stem.

Once the soil is loosened, carefully lift the garlic and gently shake off excess dirt. Handle bulbs with care to prevent bruising or damage.

Curing Garlic

Leave the roots and leaves attached and move the freshly harvested garlic to a dry, shaded, well-ventilated location.

Spread bulbs out in a single layer or hang them in bundles to cure for approximately 2–4 weeks. During this process, the wrappers dry, and the garlic develops its full flavor and storage potential.

Storing Garlic

After curing, trim the roots and cut the stems to about one inch above the bulb.

Store garlic in a cool, dry location with good air circulation, such as a basket, mesh bag, or wire rack. Properly cured garlic can store for 6–12 months, depending on the variety and storage conditions.

Helpful Garlic Harvest Tips

• Reduce or stop watering 1–2 weeks before harvest. This allows the bulbs to mature and helps the outer wrappers dry and tighten around the bulb.
• When removing garlic scapes in spring, leave one or two plants uncut. As the remaining scapes mature, they will eventually point straight upward, signaling that harvest time is near.
• Don't wait too long to harvest. Overmature bulbs can split apart, reducing storage life.
• Save your largest, healthiest bulbs for planting in the fall. Selecting the best bulbs each year helps improve future harvests.

Harvesting garlic at the right time is one of the most rewarding moments of the growing season. With proper timing, curing, and storage, you'll enjoy homegrown garlic for months to come- and have plenty of healthy bulbs ready for planting again in the fall.