Hardneck garlic scapes: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Hardneck garlic scapes

Growing Hardneck Garlic Scapes: A Beginner's Guide

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As a garlic enthusiast, I'm excited to share with you my experience growing hardneck garlic scapes. In this article, I'll take you through the process of growing these delicious and nutritious scapes, from planting to harvesting.

Introduction

Hardneck garlic is a popular variety of garlic that is known for its strong flavor and texture. While it's more commonly grown for its bulbs, hardneck garlic scapes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. In this article, I'll show you how to grow hardneck garlic scapes from scratch, including the best practices for planting, caring for, and harvesting.

Choosing the Right Variety

Not all hardneck garlic varieties produce scapes. The most popular varieties for scapes are:

• 'Creole'
• 'Hardneck'
• 'Rocambole'
• 'Music'

When selecting a variety, make sure to choose one that is known for its scape production. I chose 'Creole' for its high scape production and delicious flavor.

Planting

Hardneck garlic is typically planted in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. I planted my 'Creole' garlic cloves in the fall, about 4-6 weeks after the soil had cooled down to around 50°F (10°C).

To plant, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the soil: Hardneck garlic prefers well-draining, rich soil. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
2. Choose the right location: Hardneck garlic prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
3. Plant the cloves: Plant the garlic cloves 2-3 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Space rows 12-18 inches apart.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the soil thoroughly after planting.

Caring for the Scapes

Once the scapes begin to emerge, they will grow up towards the sky and eventually form a bulb at the top. To encourage healthy scape growth, follow these tips:

1. Keep the soil moist: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
2. Provide support: Hardneck garlic scapes can grow quite tall (up to 3 feet or more). Provide support using stakes or a trellis to keep the scapes from toppling over.
3. Fertilize lightly: Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak and leggy growth. Instead, use a balanced fertilizer at half the recommended strength to promote healthy growth.

Harvesting

Hardneck garlic scapes are ready to harvest when the scapes are plump and the bulbs are forming. This is usually around 60-90 days after planting. To harvest, follow these steps:

1. Cut the scapes: Cut the scapes at the base, using a pair of scissors or pruning shears. Leave about 1 inch of stem attached to the bulb.
2. Leave the bulbs: Leave the bulbs in the ground to mature. This will allow the bulbs to form and store for future use.
3. Harvest the bulbs: After the harvest season, dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dark place. The bulbs will be ready to use in the fall.

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to consider when growing hardneck garlic scapes:

• Try different varieties: Experiment with different hardneck garlic varieties to see which ones produce the best scapes.
• Add a trellis: Consider adding a trellis or stake to support the scapes and keep them upright.
• Harvest at different stages: Consider harvesting the scapes at different stages to see which ones produce the best flavor and texture.
• Dry the scapes: Dry the scapes to preserve them for future use.

Conclusion

Growing hardneck garlic scapes is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to enjoy delicious and nutritious scapes from your own garden. Happy growing!