How to Braid Garlic for Long-Term Storage

How to braid garlic starts with fully cured softneck garlic, clean bulbs, and pliable stems. After curing for at least 2 weeks in dry weather or 4 weeks in humid weather, trim the roots, gently remove the dirty outer layer, and braid the stems together one bulb at a time. 

If you haven’t already read my tutorial on how to plant garlic, go there first for planting and growing, learn how to harvest garlic, and then jump back here to follow this step-by-step tutorial (photos and video included!)

Finally, store your finished garlic braids in a cool, dry place around 60 to 65°F with low humidity for the best keeping quality. 

Watch Me Braid Garlic 

What Makes Braided Garlic Different

Braiding garlic is both practical and pretty. Instead of trimming every stem and storing loose bulbs in a basket, you turn softneck garlic into a hanging harvest that keeps the bulbs organized, easy to use, and lovely enough to display in the kitchen.

Hardneck garlic is wonderful for flavor and scapes, but it does not braid well because the neck is too rigid. Softneck garlic, like Inchelium Red, has flexible leaves that can be woven together once the garlic is properly cured.

Curing Garlic

In the same way I teach how to cure onions, it’s important to fully cure garlic before storing. For best results, cure garlic in a warm, shaded area with good airflow, such as a covered porch, barn, or garage. Avoid direct sunlight, which can shorten storage life and damage the bulbs.

Properly cured garlic should have dry, papery outer wrappers while the stem still has enough flexibility to bend without snapping.

Here’s what to look for before braiding:

• Papery outer skins – The bulb wrappers should feel dry and crisp, not damp or fresh.
• Dry roots – The roots should be brittle and fully dried.
• Firm bulbs – The garlic heads should feel solid with tight cloves.
• Mostly dry stems – The stems should no longer feel green or juicy, but they still need some flexibility for braiding.
• No fresh moisture at the neck – The neck above the bulb should feel dry when squeezed.

Curing time is heavily influenced by humidity. In a dry climate, garlic may cure in about 2 weeks, but in humid or rainy weather, curing can take up to 4 weeks

If the stems become completely brittle before you braid them, they will crack and break apart. If the bulbs still feel moist or soft, they need more curing time before storage.

Materials You’ll Need

• Softneck Garlic - You’ll need softneck garlic because the stems remain flexible enough to braid. Choose bulbs that have been cured until the outer wrappers are papery and the stems are dry but still bendable.
• Scissors - Clean, sharp scissors work best for trimming the roots.
• Twine - Garlic braids are surprisingly heavy. Jute twine is ideal for securing the braid.
• Soft Brush - A soft brush or clean towel works well to remove dried soil without damaging the protective skins.

How to Braid Garlic Step-By-Step

Step 1: Cure the garlic first.

Let garlic cure for at least 2 weeks in dry weather or 4 weeks in wet, humid weather.

Step 2: Prepare the bulbs.

Use scissors to cut the roots close to the bulb.

Rub off dried soil with your fingers, a towel, or a soft brush.

Remove only the outer dirty layer. Leave the rest of the papery skin intact to protect the cloves.

Step 3: Start with three bulbs.

Place three bulbs together with the bulbs at the top and stems pointing down.

Secure them near the bulbs with twine. This gives your braid a firm starting point.

Step 4: Lay one new bulb in the center.

Place its stem down the middle and add that stem to the center section.

Step 5: Cross one side stem over the center.

Treat the garlic stems just like a regular braid.

Add the next bulb to the right or left. Place each new bulb beside the braid and always bring its stem into the center.

Step 6: Keep braiding one bulb at a time.

Add each new stem to the center section before crossing the side over.

Step 7: Finish the braid.

Once all bulbs are added, braid the remaining stems together.

Tie off the end. Secure the braid with twine and trim away any uneven stem ends.

Step 8: Hang to store.

Hang the garlic braid in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting

Why is my garlic braid falling apart?

Your stems may be too brittle, too short, or not tied tightly enough at the beginning. Start with three bulbs tied firmly together, and add each new stem to the center before crossing the braid.

Why are my garlic stems breaking?

The garlic may have dried too long before braiding. Softneck garlic should be cured, but the stems still need enough flexibility to bend without snapping.

Why is my garlic molding after braiding?

Mold usually means the garlic was not fully cured or the storage area is too humid. Remove any moldy bulbs, improve airflow, and store the braid in a dry area.

Why can’t I braid hardneck garlic?

Hardneck garlic has a stiff central stalk that does not bend well. Use hardneck garlic first in the fall, and save softneck garlic for braiding and longer storage.