[Dopey113]

Do I take the top off to stop it? or leave alone, or pull them up

[BabbyAnn]

Ideally take them off so that all the plant energy goes into bulb formation rather than flower/seed production.

You can use the fresh flower stems (called scapes) in cooking so don't throw away 

[ptarmigan]

If you google garlic scapes there's lots of information about them - they are considered a delicacy in their own right.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=95067.0  So I think the answer is remove and eat - and it shows the garlic is ready.

If I'm wrong I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along soon!

[DD.]

Doesn't mean it's ready - but it's getting there!

[Dopey113]

So pull them off and leave them to continue to grow... there not finished growing yet? and eat the tops (flower tops)

[DD.]

They'll be done growing when the foliage goes yellow.

[Dopey113]

Ok thanks guys

[Trillium]

You can just snap off the flowering stem close to the leaves without having to pull the whole stem. As long as it comes off asap, you're okay. The wannabe bud can be chopped up and used in recipes.

[AnneB]

I have found it a weird year for garlic.   Mine had started to go yellow, then the scapes appeared.  I had a little check and it was a good job I did as they were definitely ready and looked as if they had been for some time.   One or two bulbs were starting to split.   All back to front.   However crop looked good.

[Dopey113]

Think I may pull one up 2day and have a look at it, nothing to lose as I can always cook it after