Ready for July 4?

11 years ago

Hi everyone. I've been checking this forum for two years to guide me. This is my first year growing garlic. These are german hardy, and red russian garlic, planted in the fall 2014. I took this photo a few days ago. Based on what I read here, it seems like maybe I could wait another week or two before pulling instead of pulling July 4 weekend.

I was planning on planting various types of 40 to 60 DTM beans in that spot after pulling, so there is an incentive to pull on schedule.

But if I can get better yields by waiting another week or two, I will take my chances and wait. What do you think based on these pictures? Thanks in advance!

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LoneJack Zn 6a, KC

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Where are you located? I am assuming pretty far north?? Based on the pictures I think you are correct that the garlic won't be ready till mid July. It looks like you have already cut at least some of the scapes. A general rule of thumb is about 3 weeks from when the scapes curl and are cut to harvest time. I don't see much yellowing yet at all but they can go from all green to ready for harvest pretty fast.

The shallots look to me like they may be ready for harvest, but the onions also look like they have a few weeks left until the necks break over.

Nice looking allium patch you have growing there!!!

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Comments (8)

Gardener Northeast z6b Coastal RI
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Here's a view from the other side, maybe this will help. On the right
are shallots and onions that I was planning on pulling on July 4, but am
thinking they are not ready.
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Gardener Northeast z6b Coastal RI
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks LoneJack,

I'm in Rhode Island, zone 6. (Updating my profile to reflect that now).

The few onions there were started from second year bulblets and most of them have sent seeds which were cut off. They are interspersed with red shallots where there was extra room. I'm a little confused about how to handle second year onions once they flower. Will they still bulb up a little more or are they supposed to whither and die off now?

The patch of yellow leaves are another type of shallot. For some reason they are not as green as other alliums. I'm not sure why but it's been like that all year. The leaves are a bit yellow but not dry. I may just take your advice on all of them and wait until mid-July.
LoneJack Zn 6a, KC
11 years ago
I don't have any experience with second year onions but I have had them bolt the first year. I think you can just go ahead and harvest them as needed since they won't store well after bolting.

If the shallot leaves are not yellowing/drying they should stay in longer.
Gardener Northeast z6b Coastal RI thanked LoneJack Zn 6a, KC
theforgottenone1013 (SE MI zone 5b/6a)
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Agree that all three things you've got growing still have a little while to go before being ready to harvest. My garlic and shallots are usually ready for harvest approx. mid-July. You might be able to plant the bean seeds in between the garlic/onions now but you'd have to be very careful when harvesting the garlic/onions so as not to disturb the bean seedlings.

Rodney
Gardener Northeast z6b Coastal RI thanked theforgottenone1013 (SE MI zone 5b/6a)
zeedman Zone 5 Wisconsin
11 years ago
I concur with those who have stated that the garlic is not yet ready to harvest. The lower leaves have not yet begun to brown, and several of those should be brown when fully mature. Bulb growth will continue for these last few weeks, so it will pay to be patient.

Given that & your location, I doubt that beans would be able to make it in the time remaining before frost. You might be better off planting peas after the garlic, since they could take the first few frosts & still give you a decent harvest.
Gardener Northeast z6b Coastal RI thanked zeedman Zone 5 Wisconsin
Gardener Northeast z6b Coastal RI
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you all for the great advice and direction!
Gardener Northeast z6b Coastal RI
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I waited until July 18 but I think I could have waited until now. The garlic and shallots are still drying in my garage and the results (the size, mostly) are better than I hoped for! I tried to take a pic on the day I pulled them but my pocketed phone was all fogged up. But here it is anyhow:

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