Garlic scapes -remove or not?

14 years ago

I am sure this question has been asked here before, but I have been told two different theories about cutting the bulbil scape when it begins to form. The first is that, no, the scape shouldn't be removed because it induces dormancy and stops bulb enlargement; the second is yes, cut it because the production of the scape and bulbils uses up energy and prevents enlargement of the bulb. Appreciate your opinions!

hortster

Featured Answer

garliclady

14 years ago

We try to get all the scapes off of ours.( we are selling ours -makes us a little more motivated to harvest them-So far about 100 lbs of scapes have been harvested this season)IT is most important with elephant. There is a huge size difference.Our elephant with scapes removed will store till next harvest. As for storage(with Hardnecks) I haven't noticed a storage problem with ones with removed scapes.
If you grow turban types removing scapes is unnecessary some times impossible before harvest. They are so early harvesting that the scapes are ready to harvest at the same time as the garlic. We are harvesting some of our Turbans right now- some have scapes that have been harvested some have scapes at harvest and some have just the tip of the scape showing at harvest.
Enjoy eatting your scapes, they are wonderful!

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Comments (7)

wcthomas
14 years ago
Leaving the scapes on will reduce the size of the bulb for most varieties. For larger bulbs, cut the scapes when they are about 12-18" long. They are absolutely delicious, either stir fried or grilled! I shake mine in a bag with some EV olive oil and a pinch of salt and curry, then toss on a hot grill until partially blackened. Oh mama!!!

TomNJ
hortster
Original Author
14 years ago
TomNJ, thanks! I have been growing hardneck garlic for three years here in KS and everyone says it shouldn't do well here, but mine has. Actually got the clove stock on a trip to NY. I have to sadly admit that I have been chopping off the scapes and tossing them in the compost pile. AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN AGAIN! Appreciate the advice.
hortster
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bloosquall
14 years ago
After experimenting with clipping and leaving some intact I have come to the conclusion leaving the scapes on will lengthen the time before the plant matures and also makes for a smaller but better storing bulb. clipping them forces the plant to put it's energy into the bulb making it bigger and also make the plant mature a bit faster. As TomNJ said, clip'em at that length and eat them. Popular in stir fry etc.
david52 Zone 6
14 years ago
I try to snip/snap off the scape just as soon as the lighter colored swelling is out of the main plant stem. The stem *may* continue to grow another couple of inches, but thats it.

Now is the season, seems a bit early, but we were at record highs earlier in May. I just put a whole mess of chopped scape in a big batch of humus for dinner, with homemade pita bread. Burp.

The scapes will stay pretty well in a plastic bag, in the fridge, for at least a month. If they last that long.......
garliclady
14 years ago
I did an experiment last year . I harvested the scapes in May and kept a bag in the frige all summer pulling a few out every week or so to use . They were good till the end of September!
bloosquall
14 years ago
Thanks for that info Garlic lady, I was wondering how long they would last. Have a great harvest.