Garlic is an essential ingredient in many dishes and a natural antibiotic.
However, its cultivation requires certain knowledge and skills.
It is especially important to correctly determine the moment of harvesting in order to get the maximum benefit from the plant.
Key Signs That Garlic Is Ready for Harvesting
Experienced gardeners know that properly harvested garlic not only tastes better, but also lasts longer. There are several sure signs that indicate it's time to start harvesting.
Yellowing of leaves
The first and most noticeable sign is a change in the color of the leaves. When the garlic ripens, its lower leaves begin to turn yellow and dry out.
This usually happens about a month before full ripening. It is important not to confuse natural yellowing with plant diseases or nutrient deficiencies.
Lodging of tops
As garlic matures, its stems become soft and begin to bend toward the ground.
This process starts from the tops and gradually spreads downwards. When about 30-50% of the tops have fallen, the garlic can be considered ready for harvesting.
Formation of the bulb
A mature garlic bulb has a clearly defined shape and a dense structure.
If you carefully dig up the top layer of soil, you can see how formed the head is. In garlic ready for harvesting, it should be dense and have a characteristic round shape.
Cracking of the outer shell
Another sign of ripening is the cracking of the outer shell of the bulb. This happens because the cloves inside increase in size and press on the shell from the inside.
However, you should not wait until the shell opens completely, as this can lead to rotting of the garlic.
Ripening times of different varieties
The ripening time of garlic depends on the variety and climate conditions. Winter varieties planted in the fall usually ripen in midsummer.
Spring garlic planted in spring will be ready for harvesting in late summer or early fall. It is important to consider the characteristics of a particular variety and monitor the condition of the plants.
The influence of weather conditions on ripening
Weather plays a significant role in the garlic ripening process.
Hot, dry summers can speed up ripening, while cool, damp weather will slow the process.
Experienced gardeners recommend stopping watering garlic 2-3 weeks before the expected harvest date so that the bulbs form better and are less susceptible to rotting during storage.
