Quick answer: When half the leaves are brown.
Harvest-
Dig up when half of the leaves are brown (including the bottom leaves which have fallen off), usually June 25- July 10 for me. "Turban" garlics such as Tzan and Shantung Purple are usually ready 3 weeks before the rest (June 15 or so).
When harvesting, remove the biggest chunks of dirt from the garlic by giving a gentle twist to the dirt clump. I leave on the roots and stems. After harvest shade immediately. Hang or put on ventilated shelves for 3 weeks to “cure” with stems on. They must have good air circulation and shade.
When harvesting, remove the biggest chunks of dirt from the garlic by giving a gentle twist to the dirt clump. I leave on the roots and stems. After harvest shade immediately. Hang or put on ventilated shelves for 3 weeks to “cure” with stems on. They must have good air circulation and shade.
Garlic that has been in the ground too long will start to lose the skins and will not store as long but is otherwise fine.
Cleaning- After curing just rub off the dirt, and maybe one layer of dirty outside skin and they will look gorgeous.