Garlic Bulbs Splitting Open: Late Harvest plus Wrappers
Garlic bulbs splitting open have usually stayed in the ground too long. Utah State University Extension notes over mature bulbs are open plus do not store well, so digging on time is the main fix.
The short answer
Dig earlier next year. UMass Extension advises digging when leaves turn yellow but about 60 percent are still green. Iowa State notes the ideal stage is 4 to 5 dry lower leaves plus 3 to 4 green upper leaves. Utah State advises drying plants in a shady, warm spot for 1 to 2 weeks.
Why do garlic bulbs split open?
Utah State notes over mature bulbs are open plus do not store well. Each leaf matches a wrapper around the bulb, so as leaves die back the wrappers thin. UMass notes some outer wrapper may discolor at the right digging stage.
When should garlic be dug?
UMass advises harvesting when at least three leaves have not begun to brown at the tips. It advises slicing a bulb sideways to see if the cloves fill the wrappers. Utah State advises digging when the tops yellow but before they fully dry.
| Sign | Meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 60 percent leaves green | Ready to dig | UMass |
| 4 to 5 dry lower leaves | Ideal stage | Iowa State |
| Cloves loose in wrappers | Needs more time | UMass |
| Bulb open | Over mature | Utah State |
Source: UMass, Iowa State plus Utah State Extension.
How do you dry garlic for storage?
Utah State advises placing the whole plant in a shady, warm spot to dry for 1 to 2 weeks. Skins turn papery plus roots dry. Then cut leaves 1 to 2 inches above the bulb plus store at 32 to 40 degrees F in dry conditions.
How to: step by step
- Stop watering as leaves yellow.
- Count the remaining green leaves.
- Cut a sample bulb sideways.
- Dig when cloves fill the wrappers.
- Dry plants in shade for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Use open bulbs early.
Troubleshooting
Bulbs open at harvest: dug late. Utah State notes over mature bulbs open.
Loose cloves: dug early. UMass notes the garlic needs more time.
Soft bulbs in storage: check drying. UMass advises adjusting drying plus storage conditions.
For plant stress see the effects of environmental stresses on weed plants plus underwatering cannabis. Read mulch for cannabis plus cannabis heat stress. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Garlic harvest, curing and storage, UMass Amherst Extension Vegetable Program
- Growing garlic in the home garden, Iowa State University Extension
- Garlic, Allium sativum, UW Madison Extension
- How to grow garlic in your garden, Utah State University Extension
FAQ
How do you check if garlic is ready?
UMass Extension advises cutting a bulb sideways to see if the cloves fill the wrappers. Loose cloves mean it needs more time.
Does split garlic store as long?
No. Utah State University Extension notes over mature bulbs are open plus do not store well.
Which type of garlic stores longer?
Iowa State University Extension notes softneck cultivars are easier to store than hardneck. UW Madison notes softnecks often store 6 to 9 months.
How deep are garlic cloves planted?
Iowa State University Extension advises planting large cloves 1 to 1.5 inches deep with the pointed side up.
When should watering stop?
Iowa State University Extension advises stopping irrigation in late July so the foliage can die down before harvest.
