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Garlic with no scapes #937335

Asked June 30, 2026, 11:42 AM EDT

My family has been growing garlic for over 20 years, rotating it's location in our garden. The past 2 years we've had some garlic plants not grow a scape. These plants die early and grow a poor soft garlic bulb that cannot be stored for months to later replant. Why are these few garlic plants not growing a scape and how can I prevent it from happening next year?

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

Thank you for your question and pictures. My wife and I look forward to enjoying our garlic scapes every year.


Garlic are known to be “heavy eaters” of the nutrients in the soil. Even though you rotate your planting areas the soil may be depleted. Get a soil test from the extension office and the results will tell you what amendments you should add. Additionally next spring add some nitrogen for the spring growth your garlic needs.

The OSU extension is located at 2548 Carmack Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43210.<personal data hidden>.

Online you can to go to: https://ohioline.osu.edu and search in the garden area for a fact sheet HYG-1627. This covers growing garlic thoroughly.

I hope this helps and I have not been too chatty.

Sincerely,

Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 02, 2026, 9:21 AM EDT

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