Harvesting Onions and Garlic

If you planted onions or garlic in your garden the time is upon us to start harvesting those crops. Garlic typically matures starting sometime in early June and, depending on the species, can be harvested till mid-July. Your garlic is ready to harvest when you have approximately 5 green leaves left on the plant and the rest are turning brown. It’s best to stop watering garlic a couple weeks before you plan to harvest so it’s easier to pull. Onions are ready to pull when over half of the tops of your plants have fallen over. This happens when the bulbs have reached their mature full size. Both of these plants should be allowed to dry out of direct sunlight for several weeks before storing them for the year. You can braid the stalks of garlic together so you can hang them for storage or you can cut the stalks and roots off (1” for garlic, ½” for onions) above the bulb and store in a cool, dry location. Both should be stored at temperatures below 40 degrees for the longest shelf life in an area with low humidity to prevent sprouting. Garlic can store for 9 months or more depending on the variety while onions will last a shorter period of time depending on the variety.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu