When Is the Garlic Harvest Season? ... Andong City Provides Technical Guidance on Optimal Garlic Harvest Timing and Methods

Published 27 May.2022 09:45(KST)

Updated 10 Aug.2025 08:41(KST)

Andong City Hall.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwi-yeol] At the Agricultural Technology Center in Andong-si, Gyeongbuk, technical guidance on the optimal timing and methods for garlic harvesting has been initiated as the garlic harvest season approaches.

Hanji-type garlic begins harvesting in mid-June, and it should be harvested on clear days when about 50?70% of the entire garlic leaves have dried.

If harvested too early, the bulbs are underdeveloped, resulting in immature bulb harvests that reduce yield and storage quality. Conversely, if harvesting is delayed, there is an increased occurrence of bulb splitting after harvesting, leading to a rise in non-commercial garlic.

It is advisable to manage soil moisture so that it is not too high during garlic harvesting. Harvesting garlic when the soil is wet makes the work inconvenient and weakens the storage quality of the harvested garlic, so irrigation should be stopped 10?15 days before harvesting.

Post-harvest drying is also important; garlic should be completely dried until the green leaves turn white over 2?3 days in a well-ventilated and sunny field to suppress the occurrence of pathogens.

An official from the Andong Agricultural Technology Center stated, “According to data from the Korea Rural Economic Institute, the stock of stored garlic has decreased this year, and garlic production is expected to decline compared to the average year.”

“Although production may vary depending on weather conditions during the bulb swelling period, the local field trading prices are forming higher than last year,” they added. “We will strive to provide on-site guidance to ensure garlic is harvested at the right time to secure yield and maintain quality and storability in excellent condition, thereby preserving commercial value.”