looks like a scape! generally, they’re harvested a bit earlier (before that bulb that will be flowers or mini-bulbils has gotten that big around) in order to maximize the amount of stalk that’s tender enough to be eaten.
as to why, i don’t know! i’ve only ever grown hardneck varieties, and have no experience with softnecks. sometimes weird shit happens!
He's dead Jim. Grab his tricorder. I'll get his wallet and this tiny ad:
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