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Garlic scape harvesting has its tricks: learn the correct harvesting method

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1. Garlic scapes must be harvested at the right time. Harvesting too early results in low scape yield because the scape has not fully emerged, and after harvesting an extra segment of "surplus scape" will still push out. Harvesting too late not only affects the fresh, tender quality of the scapes because they have become "over-mature," but also, since after the scapes are harvested the leaves are already nearing senescence and supply less energy to the underground garlic bulbs, it reduces bulb yield. The most suitable harvesting time is: when the scape has emerged and the "scape tip" has curved nearly one full circle. 2. Harvesting garlic scapes leaves a "wound" on the whole garlic plant. If harvesting under strong sunlight on a clear day

1. Garlic scapes must be harvested at the right time. Harvesting too early results in low scape yield because the scape has not fully emerged, and after harvesting an extra segment of "surplus scape" will still push out. Harvesting too late not only affects the fresh, tender quality of the scapes because they have become "over-mature," but also, since after the scapes are harvested the leaves are already nearing senescence and supply less energy to the underground garlic bulbs, it reduces bulb yield. The most suitable harvesting time is: when the scape has emerged and the "scape tip" has curved nearly one full circle.

2. Harvesting garlic scapes leaves a "wound" on the whole garlic plant. If harvesting under strong sunlight on a clear day, the high transpiration rate and excessive water loss will shorten leaf lifespan and affect bulb growth. Cloudy days and after the sun slants westward on clear days are the best harvesting weather; when harvesting on rainy days, take care to tread as little as possible between the garlic rows to prevent soil compaction.

3. Many garlic farmers pinch off the garlic scape together with the garlic leaves when harvesting. The best method is to use a "large needle" such as one for sewing clothes or stitching sack openings, pierce it into the garlic scape at the point to be harvested, slit vertically upward from below, then snap off the scape and pull it out. Leave all the leaves for bulb growth.

4. Apply a topdressing promptly after harvesting. Garlic plants are weakened after the scapes are harvested and need timely nutrient replenishment. Generally, apply 20-30 loads of decomposed dilute human and livestock manure urine per mu as a soil drench, or use 100-150 grams of potassium dihydrogen phosphate plus 0.5-1.0 kg of urea for foliar topdressing.

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