How to Plant Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are part of the same plant that yields garlic bulbs.

If you want to grow garlic scapes, simply grow garlic. Garlic scapes are curly shoots that grow from the center of a garlic plant and terminate in a flower, or bulbil. Garlic growers know that cutting the scapes away from the garlic plant will allow more energy to go into the development of the garlic bulb---but savvy garlic growers also know not to throw these eye-catching shoots away.

Things You'll Need

• Garlic seed stock
• Basic gardening equipment (spade, rake, gloves)

Instructions

1. 

   Purple Stripe is just one of the interesting varieties of garlic.

   Choose a variety of garlic to plant. There are two major types of garlic: softneck and hardneck. Softneck garlic generally does well in milder climates, whereas hardneck garlic is suited to regions that experience cold winters. Beyond these two types, you'll have several varieties to choose from.

2. 

   Soil should be free of weeds before planting.

   Prepare the soil by tilling and removing weeds from the area you wish to plant. Add compost, decomposing leaves or manure to enrich the soil. Till the area again to work the organic matter into the soil.

3. 

   Any type of mulch will do--just be sure to cover your garlic plantings for winter.

   Plant individual garlic cloves in October. First, break apart the bulb and separate the cloves, leaving the papery skin intact. Choose the largest cloves from the bulb for planting. Push each clove into the soil about 3 to 4 inches deep, with the pointy side up. Cover the garlic seed with 2 to 3 inches of soil and pat down. Cover the area you planted with mulch.

4. 

   Keep your garlic plants happy with regular watering.

   In March, when you can see small plants emerging, remove the mulch and begin tending to your garlic. Continue weeding and watering throughout the spring. In April, your garlic will also benefit from a dose of foliage feed.

5. In May, cut the garlic scapes. Scapes cut at 4 to 6 inches long are at the peak of tenderness for eating. Longer, curlier scapes will generally be too tough and woody to eat, but they look stunning in a vase. Kept in water, the bulbils will develop and open, leaving you with topsets. Plant these tiny bulbs the following spring, and you'll have a garlicky scallion to enjoy in addition to the regular garlic bulbs and scapes.

Tips & Warnings

• Garlic is generally planted in October, but it can be planted as late as you like. Keep in mind that the plants will take nine months to mature fully.

• After you've enjoyed your garlic scapes, prepare for your regular garlic harvest in June and July.

• Look online for new and exciting ways to enjoy your garlic scapes. Experiment with a variety of garlic scape recipes while these delicious shoots are tender and in season.

• Small rodents may undo your planting work. Consider using a deterrent that is safe for your garden if this becomes an issue.

References

• The Daily Green: How to Grow Garlic

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Mariquita Farm: Garlic Scape Recipes