The tops start to yellow and fall over naturally
About half to three-quarters of the tops have bent down
The necks near the bulb begin to soften
The bulbs feel full and firm when gently checked
The outer skins become dry and papery
The bulb size matches the variety’s expected mature size
The leaves stop growing and begin to die back
The tops are no longer upright and green
The bulbs may start to push slightly above the soil
Harvest before the tops fully dry out if you want better storage quality