Part 3/9:
One of the most fascinating aspects of growing hardneck garlic is the production of garlic scapes. These scapes, which resemble curly green shoots, emerge as the plant prepares to flower. Espiritu explains that while the scapes are an interesting byproduct, they should be removed to redirect energy back into the garlic bulb itself.
Timing is crucial for harvesting these scapes—once they curl into a complete loop, they are ready to be snipped off. Removing scapes not only enhances the quality of the garlic but also allows for further growth of larger bulbs.