Harvesting Garlic Scapes - When, Why & How

[@virginiab3781]

This is the only video that actually answered my questions. AND i love the fact that you actually took the time to respond to all who did comment as i hardly ever see this occur.

[@ReSprout]

Oh! I'm so glad Virginia! I'm not sure if everyone else does this, but when I make my videos I actually research the top questions. Glad yours were in that list!

[@TwoStageTrigger]

I cut the scapes into small pieces and dehydrated them. Ground them into powder. Awesome on buttered corn on the cob

[@ReSprout]

Omg that sounds amazing! What a good idea! I’m gonna add that to my recipe list!

[@Sabbathissaturday]

I’m 100% going to do this with mine too. Ty. I make green garlic powder this spring and it was amaze balls c❤

[@karensullivan9125]

I did this with mine too.

[@robfj3414]

Taking your advice, we cut all our scapes today and will be sautéing them with fresh asparagus for dinner. Thanks for a very informative video!

[@ReSprout]

Ooooh, that sounds like a great way to use them! Gonna have to add that to my recipe book!

[@robfj3414]

@@ReSprout Unfortunately, we were a bit late harvesting and most of the stems were quite woody. But the flavour of the flower buds and the more tender stems was wonderful. We’ll know better next year!

[@ReSprout]

@@robfj3414 Been there done that! Don't worry! I didn't even harvest my scapes this year it was such chaos here at Casa De April! 🤷‍♀

[@villagesteader3552]

This is my first year growing garlic and I’m here because I wanted to know more about scapes because I just noticed them. I’m excited! Thank you for the info!❤

[@greenbean1613]

I'm pet sitting for some friends who are out of the country. They told me about the scapes in their garden so this video was super helpful.

[@ReSprout]

Glad it helped! I didn't even know garlic scapes existed until I got a CSA share many years ago. One of those underground foods that only gardeners know about.

[@ReSprout]

Enjoy! They're cool looking too!

[@greenbean1613]

​@@ReSproutyep they are cool looking, made a yummy veg stir fry with them!

[@ReSprout]

@greenbean1613 Yes, perfect for stir fry!

[@VeronicaMom]

This video is from two years ago, and I just subscribe to your channel because it helped me and answered the exact questions I had because I was seeing scapes but I wasn’t sure when to cut them where to cut them or anything. So thank you.

[@ReSprout]

Garlic scapes never go out of style. 😉

[@dianegyemi8159]

I love how informative yet concise you are! Thank you!

[@ReSprout]

You are so welcome!

[@alexpolidoro4126]

Great narrative to witness. I planted over 100 last fall with a 100 % success rate. I was not aware of the scapes issue ! Glad I ran into this video because I would never have known as I am a novice in garlic planting. I will wait till early July to harvest them. Thanks for sharing. Be well...

[@ReSprout]

The only reason I knew about scapes is because, long before I was a gardener, I would get garlic scapes in my CSA farm share box. Thank goodness I learned what to do with them before I planted garlic! Enjoy!

[@allysonwebb4201]

This really helped. I kept looking for information on WHEN I should harvest mine but no one could tell me how long they should be on the plant before they are removed. Thank you for answering that in your video! I'll let them be for a few more days before I harvest them!

[@ReSprout]

Yeah, that is seriously the hardest answer to find! As with all things gardening, the answer is usually, "whatever works best for you based on your situation," which of course doesn't help too much LOL.

[@Ramhanks]

Excellent TIP: I just went and plucked one off that was almost a complete circle. WOW to the flavor! Thanks!

[@ReSprout]

Right?! So yummy.

[@JanieLockwood]

You answered all the questions I had. This is my first year growing garlic I'm in zone 7 and the scapes are just starting to bend over I can't wait to harvest the scapes and try them in recipes. Then can't wait for the garlic.

[@earthdweller222]

I make garlic scape and potato soup. Delicious. I will try the pizza topping idea.

[@ReSprout]

Ooooh, that's a great idea with the soup! Yum!

[@Linda-dv9zt]

Hi, Thanks for this informative video. I have a small garlic patch and my scapes are just perfect to harvest at present. I love to garden in general , but growing garlic is the best!! Tastes fabulous too! Happy gardening🌞🌱

[@ReSprout]

I love garlic! It is definitely one of the lowest maintenance crops and one of the more expensive to buy at the store, so it’s always on the top of my list to grow every year.

[@ReSprout]

@@messengerministries2253 Yes! Stop fertilizing a week before you cut the scapes. Good luck!

[@buckeyedav1]

Thank you short and simple video.. this is my first year growing Garlic and my scapes have not curled yet I was not sure when I should be harvesting them. I am actually growing them more for the scapes than the garlic. I did clip a handful here and there not all the way down just to share with my neighbor kids so they could see what they tasted like. They are wonderful already but now I know it isn't the time yet to harvest them. Thank you. Anna In Ohio

[@ReSprout]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jocelynhostallero5951]

In our province in the Philippines we call scapes as "utot''. This is so yummy! We love to chop it and stir fry with egg.

[@ReSprout]

Oooooh, eggs! That's a great idea! I'm out of scapes until next summer but I'll put that in my recipe book!

[@baileycumpson5169]

This was a great video and answered all my questions thank you! I will be drying the scapes and making scape salt! Kinda like garlic salt. You can add to anything you would be putting a bit of salt on and it adds a bit of garlicky flavour

[@ReSprout]

That's a great idea! I may have to try that. I always have too many scapes!

[@Linda-dv9zt]

@@ReSprout How do you make the scape salt.

[@ReSprout]

@@Linda-dv9zt not sure! I haven’t done it yet!

[@teaghanaltamore6134]

Yesterday I harvested my first batch of scapes ever. To preserve the rest, I chopped them up real small, put them in an ice cube tray, added oil and froze, removed them and put them in a plastic baggy, I will use them as I cook!

[@ReSprout]

That's a great tip! When I have a lot I do something similar and chop them up and freeze them in freezer bags.

[@artistinagarden]

New subscriber! Just found your channel! Looking at my garlic scapes in the garden this year and wondering what to do with them. Thanks you for the tips!

[@ReSprout]

Welcome!

[@MrPaul_O]

Thanks for these tips. I just used my scapes with batch of kale and almonds to make a kale pesto. The scapes garlic taste takes away from the slightly bitter kale (my kale is on its way to bolting) yum!

[@ReSprout]

I'm making garlic scape pesto tonight! Too funny!

[@joanclaytonjohnson3630]

I'm going to chop them like chives and dehydrate them next year to use in my winter soups I make. Thanks for the harvest info.

[@ReSprout]

Oh that's a great way to use them! Gonna have to remember that.

[@cherylfranklin2039]

Great video. I make pesto with my garlic scapes. It’s great on crackers or really anything.

[@ReSprout]

Mmmmm! That sounds yummy!

[@amywert8088]

Ohhhhh! You are cutting a lot more off than I have been. Looks like more yummy scapes for us next year! I doubt I'll get many more this year, I think they've all been picked.

[@ReSprout]

That's the great thing about gardening. There's always next year! :-D

[@tooshieg2059]

you are such a treasure of info. Thank you for sharing.

[@ReSprout]

Glad you enjoyed Tooshie!

[@matthewdunn4554]

Great video. Scapes are used heavily in Korean cuisine which is fantastic.

[@ReSprout]

I keep meaning to explore more Korean food. I've had a couple really great dishes. I have a huge pile of scapes in my kitchen right now. Now is probably the perfect time! Do you have a favorite recipe?

[@nickeyheidebrecht6941]

Thank you! This was very helpful and answered all my questions! Off to cut my escapes!

[@ReSprout]

Glad it was helpful!

[@msmarygardner]

I’m make garlic paste from my elephant garlic...amazing stuff! Such a beautiful color! Use it in all my cooking from veggies to dressings etc. So wonderful to have on hand!

[@ReSprout]

That sounds powerful! I love garlic. Good idea!

[@Dozerlover7]

Can you send me a recipe for the paste please?

[@msmarygardner]

Also I peel the flower & use that as well. 😋 Happy Gardin’!

[@lindsayfraser6094]

I'm University of Guelph alumni!! Great video!

[@ReSprout]

Yay!!!! I DO DO apologize for not saying it correctly, but definitely a great study! Congrats to your school for doing studies on the important things in life. ;-)

[@blorpblorpblorp]

​@@ReSprout No worries! We just call it 'U of Moo' anyway.

[@ReSprout]

@@blorpblorpblorp Hahahaha! Now when I was looking up how to say it I did not see THAT little tidbit. 🐄 😂

[@louisemanzo452]

Using in everyday cooking,right now with mussels in a San Marzano gravy

[@ReSprout]

Mmmmmm that sounds good!

[@rozsmith6850]

This will be my first garlic harvest! I'm just seeing scapes now, and hoping to harvest them tomorrow! Who knew?

[@ReSprout]

Right? A secret gardening food. 😈

[@TaintedMango]

We have been wanting to grow our own garlic for a while - thanks for the tips :-)

[@ReSprout]

Yay! So glad it helped! Garlic is expensive and I use it a lot and it's so EASY, so definitely one of the top crops I recommend to people to grow.

[@TaintedMango]

@@ReSprout We can get garlic grown in China around here but it tastes nothing - To get the "good stuff" we have to get "local" grown which is, as you say, prohibitively priced. We will have to wait until next year though as winter is upon us. Thanks again :-)

[@loric.9539]

Great video, so informative!! Garlic scapes have increased the quality of my life!!!! 😉❤😁

[@ReSprout]

Amen!

[@averykleon]

From removing scapes until harvest, how many days it that? Thanks for the vid.

[@ReSprout]

Hi Avery, probably about a month, maybe 6 weeks between scape harvest and garlic harvest I'd say, not looking at my notes.

[@averykleon]

@@ReSprout Thank you, ReSprout.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

subbed as first time garlic grower was unsure when to harvest scapes. Several of my elephant garlic plants have scapes and looking forward to cooking these up with green onions from my garlic and some grilled chicken.

[@ReSprout]

That sounds yummy!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@ReSprout they are fantastic pickled as well.

[@ReSprout]

Pickled?! OMG that's a great idea! I eat the garlic cloves out of my homemade (cucumber) pickle jars and love them. Pickled garlic scapes sound fantastic.

[@gunlabchris]

I use my for soups Grind them up with a bit of liquid and put in ice cube tray

[@ReSprout]

Have you thought about dehydrating and then grinding them up into a powder? It would save freezer space. That's always one of my top priorities, my freezer is so stuffed by the end of the summer! :-)

[@loreliem665]

I didn't know anything about Scapes before today. I have planted garlic and waited for everything to die down. I never remembered seeing any scapes before this year. The 1 part of my garden had scapes, and the other garlic seemed to have none. I am trying a few experiments with my scapes, the green leaves and boiling the steams forna garlic broth. They are so hard but smell good and garlicky.

[@ReSprout]

The scapes might have entered the "woody" stage. You might not want to eat them straight, but boiling them for stock is a great use of them!

[@erickhargraves3921]

Ran across your channel. Ive bought them at farmers markets and i pickle them and preserve can them. Delicious by themselves or chopped in a tuna salad. Im really thinking about growing them myself this fall. We will see how adventurous i get.

[@ReSprout]

Pickled garlic scapes sound yummy!

[@weavingrainbow9063]

I'm in zone 6b (7 now?) and just saw scapes this morning while walking t😅he dogs. It's May! Are you seeing scapes now as well? 🙂 I also heard to leave a couple of scapes alone so you know when to harvest the bulbs. Thoughts on this?

[@ReSprout]

I've heard this, and did it as a test two years ago. Didn't seem to make much difference.

[@kfkilleen]

If I’m going to save my scapes in the refrigerator, how should I do it? Can I cut them for the convenience of storage, or should I leave them as they are?

[@ReSprout]

They will last longer if you leave them uncut until you’re ready to use them. If you have the room for that of course! They can be unwieldy!

[@norxgirl1]

Northern middle Tennessee....zone 6/7. Just saw scapes on my hardneck and harvested.....

[@ReSprout]

You're a little of ahead of me! I'm in zone 7A and no scapes yet this year. I'm watching though!

[@chriscrilly8807]

What are the odds that two people with these same two names are growing garlic and watching this video in the same two weeks? !!! P.S. I'm in southern Québec. BTW it's GWELF not GELF for Guelph. A good try though.

[@lisadeluca5714]

Great video! and cooking demo too! Thanks!

[@ReSprout]

Glad you liked it!

[@Madmun357]

First time garlic grower...I'll be harvesting scapes TODAY! It may be a little late already (zone 8).

[@ReSprout]

Enjoy! Scapes are one of those foods few people besides gardeners and farmers get to eat. :)

[@HablemosDelHuerto]

I love your videos and your channel. This was another great video.

[@ReSprout]

Thank you Carlos! Probably didn't make too much sense publishing it so far after harvest time, but maybe it'll get some more traffic this year!

[@valjalava1951]

Well last year I made garlic scape salt turned out really good ,so I will make that again not sure what else to make great video wasn’t sure when to pick my scapes iam zone 8b in Vancouver Bc

[@ReSprout]

I always do pesto! Then I use it on pasta, lasagna, soups, anything where you could use an extra garlic kick.

[@stephenkelly1650]

Very helpful, Thank you.

[@ShannonLeighNow]

I amusing them to dehydrate then powder in my Vitamix to make garlic scape powder and salts

[@ReSprout]

I love my vitamix! You can do anything with it I swear!

[@caitlinhenshaw6228]

University of "Gelf." Lol. That made me laugh harder than it should have (It's said more like "gwelf.") That being said - very useful vid. Thanks for the scape tips. It's my first time growing garlic this year and, while it's pretty simple so far, the scapes are the one part I'm unsure about (especially when it comes to WHEN to cut them)

[@ReSprout]

Haha! It's funny, I think I looked up how to say that, too before I made the video. SMH. I DID try! LOL

[@robertbalaicius2645]

I just an hour ago picked 6 lbs. of elephant garlic scapes, 12 inches or smaller. I transplanted 4500 cloves last fall / winter. I cut them into 1 inch pieces, unopened flower heads and all, and simmered covered in water, and a few large sprigs of rosemary from my greenhouse. I will freeze the 4 quarts I got (covered in water they will not experience freezer burn) and then use as soup base. What I cannot figure out is the rhyme or reason to topset seed, which elephant garlic DOES produce, but it seems to be erratic. Consistent seed would result in a massive increase of plants... but I can't figure out why or when or how it produces topset. First year from corms, first year after dividing, first year after cutting off the scape? The 6 foot tall stalks with purple bulbs at the top are beautiful, especially among a bed of red bee balm... but in letting them grow all season to hopefully produce erratic seed, of course, wastes a lot of time and energy that the bulb needs to divide, develop corms, and increase in size... If I knew why and when they produce topset seed... it would be wonderful. But I cannot find anything on it online.

[@ReSprout]

Hi Robert, I've never grown elephant garlic. I know it's a bit different from garlic. Love to here our other Garden Bosses in the comments section chime in on this questions!

[@kimchrystal8538]

I’m wanting to make pesto…do I pinch off the little bulb..flower? Then put the scape in the food processor

[@ReSprout]

Maybe I'm an animal, but I eat the flowers too. Hubby does too, but he doesn't know it. 🤣

[@smitaghosh6133]

Hi! How many scapes do you get per plant? Just one? If you remove one will the plant send up another scape?

[@ReSprout]

Yes, they each send up one scape and don't send up another one once you take it.

[@Linda-dv9zt]

One scape per plant. One & done. Another tip is I usually leave one or 2 scapes on a garlic plant. When the scape stands straight up, that’s the sign that the garlic is ready to harvest. 🌞

[@jeans.5756]

I’m looking for bigger bulbs so what do I do cut down all the stems?

[@gussampson5029]

Did you watch the video?

[@ReSprout]

Yes, the STEM (the scape), not the leaves, though.

[@ralsharp6013]

Our Leeks and elephant garlic have all scaped. But not our purple garlic. Devastated the rust has overtaken the two bottom leaves on the standard garlic patches.. I was thinking of putting corn in when I pull the garlic out but perhaps the corn will keep the rust going? Have you had much trust trouble

[@ReSprout]

I do get it from time to time, but not on my garlic. I don't know if it's something about the way I garden, my soil, the seeds I buy or what (definitely the seeds in the case of cucumbers of tomatoes), but I actually don't have a lot of disease issues... 🤷‍♀️

[@lynnodell1795]

My hardneck garlic scapes have not curled and are straight as arrows. The bulb at the end looks like it’s going to flower any day. Should I cut the scapes?

[@ReSprout]

Hi Lynn! You might have missed the curling or it might be your variety. Because after it curls, it straightens up again and flowers. It sounds like your scapes are at this point. They might not be too edible (woody). You can try one and see what you think. Because they're about to flower, cutting them will not make too much of a difference in the size of the bulb. So it might not be worth the work of cutting them at this point, especially if they're very tasty anymore.

[@yiyunjie]

use scape to stirfry with pork is super tasty！scape sales super expense in a chinese market in early spring！we also use scape to make preserved vegitables with other traditional preserved sour taste vegie. Super yummy!

[@ReSprout]

Ooooh, pickles. That's a good idea. I'm gonna try and do more pickles this year.

[@julieburns439]

Thank you, good to know!

[@ReSprout]

Happy to help!

[@remopiccioni9456]

They are delicious in scrambled eggs!

[@ReSprout]

😋

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

New subscriber to your channel here. This is a great video and answered all my questions. Thank you!

[@ReSprout]

Yay! That’s my goal!

[@WelcmeTo1984]

Thank you for the info!

[@ReSprout]

You bet!

[@BeccaSue890]

I pickle mine! Yum’

[@ReSprout]

You are the like the 50th person to say that. Definitely gonna have to try that!

[@BeccaSue890]

@@ReSprout You definitely won’t be sorry!!

[@nait7714]

And then, when I should harvest the garlic? Thanks!

[@ReSprout]

I harvest when the flower blooms!

[@Mimeh53]

I planted hardneck garlic for the first time lastNovember and have noticed the scapes just a few days ago, They are shaping into a hook but are not spiralling. Should I wait to pick the scapes until they get "loopier"?

[@ReSprout]

Hi Miriam, depends what you're going for. If you want bigger garlic, harvest as soon as you see the flower bulb at the end. But if you want decently sized scapes, wait until it's a half circle (hook) or full circle.

[@Mimeh53]

@@ReSprout Thanks!

[@rumpstatefiasco]

Chopped Scapes make excellent pizza toppers!

[@ReSprout]

Ooooh, that sounds good!

[@fubopnation8624]

I cut my top leaves instead of the scapes. Should I still cut my scapes as well.

[@ReSprout]

Did you cut ALL the leaves? If so, I'd leave the scapes! Poor plant is gonna need something to keep the bulbs going.

[@fubopnation8624]

My first Garlic run. Now I know. Aaron

[@ReSprout]

@@fubopnation8624 The great thing about gardening is that you can always try again. Persistence and patience. Some of the greatest lessons I've ever learned from the garden. :)

[@dillonyoung456]

Great video ❤🎉

[@subzardar]

KHT Foods have commercialized Garlic scape pickle that has multiple health benefits.

[@ReSprout]

Sounds yummy!

[@melissac5071]

So helpful !

[@user-ox6kf1gt6u]

Do we do this with onions also?

[@ReSprout]

You CAN if you want a little to cook with, but no, don't take the whole top or the bulb will stop growing.

[@NoPsychoticBabble]

"Because Italian food. DUH!"❤😂‼

[@ReSprout]

🤣🤣

[@MOJUSA]

Nice .awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@ReSprout]

Thanks for watching!

[@MOJUSA]

@@ReSprout welcome friend.

[@oscargiovinazzo2068]

Can you freeze scapes

[@ReSprout]

Yes! Great way to preserve them! 😀

[@luvurab]

Thanks for the info. Just an fyi…Guelph is pronounced like Gwelf. 😊

[@JanicePhillips]

This is my first year of growing garlic, so I want BIG BULBS.

[@ReSprout]

Amen sista!!

[@BLUETITTRAVEL]

Good video.

[@jadewelp]

Sautes Garlic Scape With Bacon is a really delicious dish.

[@ReSprout]

That sounds yummy!

[@ernielynch1027]

Thanks for the video. Suggestion: the pronunciation of the university is : GWELF not GELF 😊

[@ReSprout]

Haha, yes, I have a couple people mention it to me. It's funny because I actually went online to figure out how to pronounce it before I recorded this video, but I guess I still couldn't figure it out! SMH

[@MOJUSA]

new subscriber on your channel friend.God bless

[@ReSprout]

Thanks for subbing!

[@NGOLE94]

garlic it í good for your helth

[@ReSprout]

And yummy!

[@hl2912]

When do we harvest THE BULBS …& HOW ?…after the scapes?

[@ReSprout]

Hold tight! Soon! Short answer, though, is when the everything turns brown and the plants look dead. Just pull 'em out!

[@jeans.5756]

I’m in zone 6b

[@melaniewaring-chapman301]

Just an FYI..the University is pronounced Gwelf

[@ReSprout]

Thank you, every other Canadian gardener on the face of the earth has already corrected me in this comment section. 🤣

[@tagomarley2076]

Great video very helpful only one minor thing your pronunciation of the University of Guelph Its like Goo welf to pronounce or at least us Canadians say it that way eeh thanks again for your video

[@ReSprout]

Haha! Yeah I was struggling with that. 😉

[@claireryan8074]

I was so naive I thought those garlic flowers had mini bulbs I could plant. Put them in a ziplock bag to save for the next year. What in the world was that horrid smell, did something die? Nope, it was fermented garlic seeds. Lesson learned.

[@ReSprout]

Hi Claire, those ARE seeds (bulbils technically)! You can plant them, but they take much longer to grow. Maybe what happened is the plastic kept too much moisture in and made them rot?

[@jennifershepard246]

You can pickle the garlic scapes

[@ReSprout]

I think I'm gonna try that this year!

[@igotskills13]

Great video but its the University of Gwelf not Gelf. Guelph.

[@ReSprout]

Thank you, yes, I've gotten a few corrections already! I tried my best. Even looked it up! Whaddya gonna do? 🤷‍♀️

[@RTBOB44]

I encourage my kids to eat raw. 😂I do love them.

[@ReSprout]

That probably does not help their popularity. 🤣 My husband refuses to talk to me after I eat caesar salad which is STUFFED with my garlic scapes.

[@dignit1620]

Bigger bulbs!

[@ReSprout]

I agree!

[@Wibboo]

Also Mexican food!

[@ReSprout]

Heck yeah!!

[@zhaoxiaoer6291]

We mainly produce greenhouses for home use. Seeing your video, I think we can cooperate. I'll send you pictures of our products. We look forward to your reply.

[@zhaoxiaoer6291]

你好，来自中国的朋友

[@ReSprout]

Sounds interesting! I've been thinking about getting a greenhouse. Please feel free to DM me on Instagram: instagram.com/askresprout/

[@zhaoxiaoer6291]

@@ReSprout There is no such software in China. Can we leave each other an email

[@zhaoxiaoer6291]

留个联系方式吧。电子邮箱

[@Jetwildli7]

Did you get a thousand pounds??

[@ReSprout]

NO! I DIDN'T! So mad, LOL. I'm actually gonna talk about that in my next video. Stay tuned!

[@user-cv8pj5wj5f]

It's pronounced 'gwelf', not gulf.

[@ReSprout]

I did TRY on this one! I looked it up, but I think I misunderstood the phonetics. Whaddya gonna do, man? Sorry my Canadian friends!

[@noninvalidargument]

Just cut my first scapes. I cut them early to maximize the bulbs and I'm going to pick up pine nuts to make pesto in the morning. German Red 🧄 Variety - Zone 6b

[@ReSprout]

That sounds delicious! Making me hungry! 🤤

[@kaymack5304]

I was away for a week and came back to see my scapes were huge. They seem kind of tough. I'm assuming I should just use the part that is more tender?

[@ReSprout]

Yes, you definitely want them tender! If you have a high powered blender like a Vitamix you might might be able to use blend the tougher parts into something, though, like hummus. I have't tried it yet, but there were other lovely comments on this video about making garlic scape powder. You might be able to use the tough parts for that, too.