When garlic plants start to bloom, it means that the plant has shifted its energy from bulb development to producing flowers and seeds. While garlic flowers can be quite beautiful, allowing the plant to fully bloom can have some drawbacks. In order to ensure the best growth and development of the garlic bulb, it is generally recommended to remove the scapes before they fully bloom.
Garlic scapes are the curly, long stalks that emerge from the garlic plant. These scapes contain the potential to form bulbils, which are small, garlic-like seeds. If left uncut, the scapes will continue to grow and eventually develop flowers and seeds. While this may seem like a desirable outcome for some gardeners, it can actually have a negative impact on the growth of the garlic bulbs themselves.
By allowing the scapes to develop into flowers and seeds, the plant redirects its energy away from bulb development. This means that the bulbs may not grow as large or as flavorful as they could have if the energy had been focused solely on their growth. Therefore, it is generally recommended to snip off the scapes at the base of their stalks, diverting all the plant’s energy back into the bulb underground.
Cutting the scapes is a simple process. Wait until the scapes have straightened up and are still tender, usually when they are about 10-12 inches long. Using a clean pair of garden shears or scissors, cut the scapes at their base, just above the top set of leaves. Be careful not to damage the leaves or the main stem of the plant.
Once the scapes are removed, you can use them in various culinary dishes. Garlic scapes have a mild, garlicky flavor and can be used in salads, stir-fries, pestos, or even grilled as a side dish. They add a delightful twist to your meals and make use of a part of the plant that would otherwise go to waste.
If you choose not to eat the scapes, it is still important to remove them from the plant. Leaving them on the plant to fully bloom and produce seeds can lead to a self-sowing garlic population in your garden. While this may sound appealing, it can actually create overcrowding and competition among the garlic plants, resulting in smaller bulbs overall.
In my personal experience as a gardener, I have found that cutting the scapes and using them in my cooking not only helps redirect the plant’s energy back into bulb development but also adds a delicious and unique flavor to my dishes. It’s a win-win situation!
To summarize, when garlic plants start to bloom, it is recommended to cut off the scapes at the base of their stalks. This allows all the energy to be focused on growing the garlic bulbs underground, resulting in larger and more flavorful bulbs. Whether you choose to enjoy the scapes in your meals or simply remove them from the plant, it is important to prevent the development of flowers and seeds to maintain optimal growth and productivity in your garlic garden.
