If you cut the kohlrabi in small pieces, it can be stored in an airtight plastic container or plastic bag. Plant extra kohlrabi if you want to save seeds. You can use a clean knife to cut off the leaves or pull them and the will separate from the bulb. Once you have the kohlrabi at the desired size, you simply pull the entire plant up. Once cooled, place the cooked kohlrabi cubes into a plastic bag and put it into the freezer. WHEN AND HOW TO HARVEST KOHLRABI Read the seed packet to work out how long your variety will take to mature but in general they take fifteen weeks or so from seed sowing to maturity. Kohlrabi is easy to grow. Kohlrabi leaves grown in colder temperatures can be eaten like cabbage. As long as you know best when to harvest kohlrabi, you’ll have plants with a milder, sweeter flavor. You can even use kohlrabi as a potato substitute in a mash! Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in double rows set 1.5 feet apart. Crops planted midsummer for fall harvest generally have fewer insect problems and a less bitter flavor. If you plan to harvest the bulbs, leave enough foliage to provide solar energy for the formation of the vegetable. For a fall crop, plan your harvest for a week or two after the first fall frost. It prospers on organically rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Harvest the kohlrabi from the pots. Remove your frozen kohlrabi when you want to use it to cook in soups, stews and stir-fries. Harvesting kohlrabi is quite simple. Kohlrabi Harvest. To grow: Snip the leaves from the stem any time during the growing season for eating but don’t take all of the leaves so that the plant will continue to grow. Again, if you delay your harvest, the kohlrabi bulb will turn woody and tough. Harvest a kohlrabi stem by cutting it from the base of the plant with a serrated knife. Once the stem reaches 3 inches in diameter, cut the bulb form the root with a sharp knife. Cut the leaves off rather than pulling, to prevent injury to the bulb. Kohlrabi can be continuously harvested, up until the stems are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm.) How to Harvest Kohlrabi. The larger the kohlrabi bulb gets, the more woody and tough it is to eat. If you plan to harvest it as a fall crop, you can plant the seeds about 90 days before the expected first frost date. After that, your plants will be too old and too tough. Store kohlrabi cold and moist, 32°-40°F (0°-4°C) and 95 percent relative humidity. Harvest the bulb once it reaches a diameter of 1-1/2″ to 3″ for the best flavor. Kohlrabi keeps for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge. Best used fresh and will keep for up to a week if kept cool. Sow seeds, 1cm (½in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart from late February (under cloches or fleece) to early March, continuing until mid-August in warmer areas. Use a perforated bag so the leaves have some air circulating. A refrigerator is cold but the air is dry. Bulbs are sweet and ready to eat as soon as they are 2-3 inches across, though some Kohlrabi bulbs can reach 8 to 10 inches. These leaves can be used as microgreens as part of your salads. This should remove your kohlrabi plant from the soil. Harvest kohlrabi by pulling up the entire plant. Harvest spring planted kohlrabi when the enlarged stem is 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. Ideally, harvest your … Cut your kohlrabi into cubes, removing the tough core. For a continuous harvest, plant kohlrabi every 2-3 weeks. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep. Don’t pack stems too tightly; if the stems touch they can start to rot; be sure to leave 2 inches (5 cm) of insulating material around at the top, bottom, and sides of the stored roots. You may need to use a bit of force if your plants have grown bigger. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Remove your kohlrabi before they are the size of a tennis ball. Harvest giant kohlrabi varieties when they are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter. When you harvest your stems for storage, don’t waste the leaves that you cut off. Harvest (when and how): Harvest kohlrabi plants when the bulbs reach 3 inches in diameter. You want the foliage to be young and tender. Harvest when the bulbous stem is 2 to 3 inches wide. Depending on its variety you can harvest Kohlrabi 40 to 80 days after planting. Eating: Kohlrabi bulbs can be used in a variety of ways. (Turnips that form bulbs below the soil are best harvested at about the same size.) All you have to do is cut them from the base of the plant. But now that you know how to grow kohlrabi, that shouldn’t be a … Sow a little and often, say every three weeks, for a constant supply. Trim the leaves from the kohlrabi’s round stem before cooking or storing. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Kohlrabi is not only delicious, but it’s also high in fibre and vitamin C! Store with its leaves and kohlrabi will last a couple of weeks. The leaves may be bitter if your kohlrabi is grown in a warmer climate. The best time to harvest kohlrabi is when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter, about 45-60 days after planting. 3. Don’t let kohlrabi bulbs grow much larger or they will rapidly become woody. The base should be free of cracks. % of people told us that this article helped them. So check the seed packet to know the exact dates. Just grasp the bulb and cut it from the base of the plant with pruning shears, a knife or clippers. Harvest To Table Your email address will not be published. Place kohlrabi in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable crisper section. Take no more than one-third of the foliage when you harvest kohlrabi greens. Get a recipe: Creamy Kohlrabi and Potato Soup with Winter Savory from Purple Rain Vineyard . By Steve Albert Leave a Comment. Harvest your kohlrabi when the bulbs are 2–4 inches (7–10 cm). Grow kohlrabi as a cool-weather annual crop in full sun. An unpeeled kohlrabi can last up to three weeks in the refrigerator. Learn more... Kohlrabi is rapidly growing in popularity. Harvesting Kohlrabi Leaves. One plant will give you one Kohlrabi. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If stored stems get too warm they will sprout new tops and become woody. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Cut them off at the base of the stem with a sharp knife. Container and Pot Sizes: How Much Soil Do I Need? Transplant in garden 6 to 8 inches apart. Kohlrabi is gaining in popularity due to its nutritional benefits: fat-free, low sodium, low calorie, high in vitamin c and fiber. The 5 surprising ways you can stop feeling financially trapped. If you plant Kohlrabi in the right climate and harvest it when it’s small you’ll be able to enjoy the delightful vegetable roasted, raw or in a mash! Kohlrabi is ready for harvest when stem globes reach 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) in diameter. Remove the seeds from the dried pod by rubbing the pod between your hands. Small to medium-sized bulbs will be sweet and tender. I usually let all the kohlrabi get about the same size, but some will be a bit larger while some are smaller. Privacy Policy. The bulb is the most important part of your kohlrabi harvest. Shake off any excess soil from the roots. A serrated knife is the most effective for harvesting kohlrabi. The kohlrabi base will be ready for harvest after 45 to 60 days from the time you planted the seeds. Trim the leaves from the stem before cooking or storing. The bulb sits on the top of the soil so it's easy to check. How to Store Harvest, Cure, and Store Winter Squash. How to Harvest Kohlrabi. Here on the Canadian prairies (zone 3) we typically plant kohlrabi seedlings outside in mid to end May and harvest in early July. Store your kohlrabi without the leaves and it’ll keep fresh for a couple of months. By using our site, you agree to our. Shred it and mix with an egg and a few tablespoons of flour or breadcrumbs. Whichever way you harvest your kohlrabi, make sure to do it carefully especially if you want to harvest again later. It does, however, require caring. Kohlrabi becomes tough and woody as it matures. Where summers are hot, grow kohlrabi in fall and winter. It's known as the apple of the vegetables due to its sweetness, and the German turnip because of its origin. Lift kohlrabi from your garden when the mid-stem bulbs swell to 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This depends on the variety of kohlrabi that you are growing. Where summers are cool, grow kohlrabi spring through autumn. Those in cooler climates can also plant kohlrabi in midsummer for a fall harvest. When harvesting kohlrabi, it’s vital to keep an eye on the swelling base. Harvest a kohlrabi stem by cutting it from the base of the plant with a serrated knife. Hold on to the leaves and pull the plant upward. Kohlrabi can be sown outdoors as soon as soil can be worked. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10,546 times. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Harvesting kohlrabi is very straightforward. Harvest. Cut into slices to eat raw or add to a salad. Winter harvest. Kohlrabi that ripens in mild and cool weather will be tastier than kohlrabi that matures in warm and hot weather. How to Harvest Kohlrabi. Wash greens well before eating. Cut the stem just above the soil line. It’s part of the cabbage family and is very easy to grow. Pick the bulbs that are the size of a golf ball. The bulbs of different varieties will grow to different sizes, so you'll partially be using your judgment. They will start to break and attract birds. Garden-stored kohlrabi can freeze once or twice in winter and still be edible. The fruit will become tough and fibrous if allowed to mature too much. Harvest kohlrabi is when the first stem is 1 inch (2.5 cm.) In theory you can leave the stems until they are 15cm or so wide and they should still be tender and very edible. Enjoy your homegrown kohlrabi all year round. This is a great way to get kids to eat their kohlrabi! Cut into cubes to roast. Luckily, harvesting kohlrabi is incredibly simple. The leaves can be eaten raw or steamed just tender. In warmer southern climates, plant in the fall for a winter harvest. in diameter. To direct sow outdoors, sow seeds 1 inch apart and ¼ inch deep. The leaves can be eaten raw or steamed just tender. Harvest before the flowers become too mature. Kohlrabi can also be frozen. It’s better to harvest early rather than late. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Put the seeds in an airtight container to avoid moisture and humidity. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. How to Choose Kohlrabi . Kohlrabi seeds do not grow in the first year. You can trim the leaves from the stem and save them to cook separately. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Kohlrabi should be blanched (boiled) and placed in an airtight container before frozen. Set the lid loosely so that there is good air circulation and place the container in as cool a place as possible short of freezing such as a basement, garage, or shed. Pick the bulbs that are the size of a golf ball. Position your knife at soil level, just under the bulb. Kohlrabi reaches harvest maturity 45 to 60 days after seeds germinate. Note that kohlrabi plants thrive in temperatures between 40 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and take between 45 to 60 days to mature, so plan accordingly depending on where you live. This brings out the the sweetness in the kohlrabi. If there is no room in the refrigerator, kohlrabi can also be packed in a container—a bucket or plastic storage box or cooler–in moist sand, peat moss, or sawdust. Plan whether you want to save seeds when planting in the first year. The peak kohlrabi harvest season is mid-spring to mid-fall. Remove your kohlrabi before they are the size of a tennis ball. In mild-winter regions, kohlrabi and can be grown and harvested through the winter. Kohlrabi grows pretty fast and the bulb will begin to swell out quickly with uninterrupted growth. Bulbs that are allowed to grow too big will gain an undesirable woody taste. Facebook 0 Tweet 0 Pin 0. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Steam the kohlrabi with other root vegetables. Harvest summer and autumn planted kohlrabi when the stem is 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter. Steamed kohlrabi can be also be added to soups. Pull the leaves off of the upper stems and wash the leaves before cooking. wikiHow's. Globes that grow larger than 3 inches (7.5cm) in diameter may become woody. Harvest kohlrabi when the stem widens to two inches. How to Harvest Kohlrabi. It really depends on how many plants you are … Trim the leaves from the stem before cooking or storing. The stem should be about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) in diameter, and the bulbs will be big and healthy-looking. Select kohlrabi that is firm and heavy for its size with crisp deeply colored leaves that have no yellowing on their tips. Avoid over-harvesting because a lack of leaves may stunt stem growth, but taking up to 1/3 of the foliage won’t hurt the plant. 3. Harvest kohlrabi stems when they are still young and tender, usually about 2 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter. Kohlrabi stems can be eaten raw or cooked like turnips. If the skin of a globe is tough, peel away the outer layer; the center may still be tender and flavorful. Kohlrabi can also be added to recipes for cream of potato, cream of broccoli, and even cream of mushroom soup! They can be blanched and added to salads or steamed as a nutritious side dish. Seeds also can be started indoors four to six weeks prior to moving the plant outside. Cold and moist storage is a challenge. You can harvest the leaves of the plant well before the base is mature. As this how to grow kohlrabi guide has shown, kohlrabi can be harvested in two ways: either by pulling the entire plant or by cutting the base and thus leaving the root intact. Kohlrabi leaves can be harvested for the table; cook them like you would other greens. This size should be reached in 50 to 75 days after the seeds have sprouted. Ideally, you should plant it so it comes to harvest before average daytime temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Kohlrabi that matures in cool weather can remain in the ground until temperatures fall into the 20°sF (-6°C). The bulb sits on the top of the soil so it's easy to check. Harvest by cutting them from the base of the plant. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Keep your kohlrabi longer (8-10 months) by storing it in the freezer. Kohlrabi is usually ready to be harvested after about 45-60 days. The smaller bulbs are the sweetest. Kohlrabi takes 55 days to mature. Create a firm seed bed in any reasonably light, fertile, free draining soil. It’s going to be bitter. It’s rather tough to tell when your kohlrabi is mature, as there is no color change to indicate ripeness, so you have to rely on the size of the bulb to determine when to harvest. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The leaves are also edible and cook up like collard greens. In addition, it will lose the mild sweetness that we’re aiming for! To start seeds indoors, start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before planting. Check roots in storage often and remove any that show signs of deterioration. 1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Harvest-Kohlrabi-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Harvest-Kohlrabi-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Harvest-Kohlrabi-Step-1.jpg\/aid10190611-v4-728px-Harvest-Kohlrabi-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"
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