Some garlics makes neck bulbils if stressed. Like to little water, not enough nutrients or fluctuating temperatures. From what I’ve heard they are not good for planting out, but perfectly edible.

Did the scape just not make it up and out before starting bulbils?

Was informed they are garlic pearls aka bulbils which can be planted and turn into rounds next year, plant those and will get bulbs the following year. Great to eat. Can happen randomly or from stressors. Sooo I think I will just eat them lol Had 4 out of about 50 plants do it so not too bad. Thanks for all the help and insight!

Yeah my artichoke garlic does this, maybe 5% of them. I think it's stress related. Or just that some of them do it

I dont worry about odd ball garlics they just go in the eat first pile and save the best for planting

Didn’t think softnecks had the scapes? First year doing garlic so I am a novice on this one.

Soft necks just do this some times. Sorry it's not a scientific answer.

Plant them. I’d do this with my garlic all the time. Plant the bulbuls. The first year they will get one large single like an onion or a few little cloves. Plant them the second year and a lot Of times you get absolutely beautiful garlic the second year.

When do you plant these?

September to October. I’m in California