Harvesting & Curing Garlic: Tips for a Bountiful, Long-Lasting Crop
Garlic lovers, it's that time of year! The tops are starting to yellow, the bulbs are plumping up, and if you're anything like us, you’re wondering daily, is it ready yet?
Whether you're growing garlic for the first time or you're a seasoned garlic hoarder (we get it), harvesting and curing your garlic properly is the key to long storage and full flavor.
When to Harvest Garlic
Your garlic is ready when about half the leaves have turned brown and the rest are still green. This timing helps ensure the bulb has fully formed, but the wrappers haven't disintegrated—which is crucial for storage.
Don’t wait too long. Over-mature garlic splits open underground, making it harder to store and more vulnerable to rot and pests. Gently loosen the soil around a few plants and lift them to check bulb size and skin integrity.
TFC Tip: Use a digging fork or hori-hori and lift carefully—garlic bruises easily!
How to Cure Garlic
Curing is simply the process of drying your garlic so it stores well. Once harvested:
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Leave stalks and roots intact and gently brush off any major clumps of soil. Do not wash your bulbs!
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Bundle in small groups (5–10 plants) and hang in a cool, dry, shady, and well-ventilated space. A barn, shed, or porch works well. No direct sun—garlic sunburns!
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Cure for 2–4 weeks, until necks are dry and outer skins are papery. Once fully cured, trim the roots and cut stalks 1–2" above the bulb (or braid softnecks if you’re feeling fancy).
Get Ready for Fall Garlic Planting!
We know garlic growers love to plan ahead—and we’ve got you covered. Seed garlic pre-orders are live online now! You’ll be able to reserve your favorites and pick up in-store or have them shipped when the time is right for planting.
At The Farm Connection, we carry both conventionally and organically grown garlic, with a variety of hardneck, softneck, and specialty types to suit every grower and flavor preference:
Nootka Rose (Softneck) – A braidable heirloom with rosy-toned wrappers and great storage. Mild, rich flavor that mellows with time.
Gypsy Rose Music (Hardneck, Organic) – A colorful twist on the classic Music, with bold flavor and striking appearance. Reliable and flavorful.
Purple Glazer (Hardneck) – Gorgeous purple stripes and a sweet, smooth taste, especially when roasted. A beautiful and tasty choice.
Romanian Red (Hardneck, Organic) – Big, spicy, and bold. Packs serious heat and flavor. Great for garlic lovers who like a punch.
Transylvanian (Softneck) – A softneck standout with large cloves and excellent storage. Balanced flavor with a bit of bite.
Mennonite (Hardneck) – An old favorite known for its complex, rich flavor and reliability in colder climates.
Blue Music (Hardneck) – A robust strain of Music garlic with beautiful bluish-purple skins and dependable yields.
Chopaka Mountain (Softneck, Organic) – A rare, hardy softneck with excellent storage and rich flavor. Grows well in a range of climates.
Duganski (Hardneck) – Deep purple wrappers and strong, classic garlic flavor. Striking and flavorful in the ground and the kitchen.
Whether you’re a homesteader feeding your family for the year or a backyard grower tucking bulbs into a permaculture guild, garlic is one of the most satisfying crops to grow—and essential to any resilient food system.
Check out our seed garlic pre-orders, and as always, reach out with any questions—we're happy to help you choose the right varieties for your garden!