How do I harvest kohlrabi? When you harvest your stems for storage, don’t waste the leaves that you cut off. Kohlrabi can also be frozen. Trim the leaves from the stem before cooking or storing. Luckily, harvesting kohlrabi is incredibly simple. 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. Shake off any excess soil from the roots. Cut your kohlrabi into cubes, removing the tough core. Use a perforated bag so the leaves have some air circulating. How to Choose Kohlrabi . Kohlrabi stems can be eaten raw or cooked like turnips. By Steve Albert Leave a Comment. Store kohlrabi cold and moist, 32°-40°F (0°-4°C) and 95 percent relative humidity. Hold on to the leaves and pull the plant upward. 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. You want the foliage to be young and tender. Privacy Policy. 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. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. In warmer southern climates, plant in the fall for a winter harvest. The kohlrabi base will be ready for harvest after 45 to 60 days from the time you planted the seeds. How to Harvest Kohlrabi. You can trim the leaves from the stem and save them to cook separately. A refrigerator is cold but the air is dry. Kohlrabi can also be added to recipes for cream of potato, cream of broccoli, and even cream of mushroom soup! Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. It prospers on organically rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Wash greens well before eating. You can use a clean knife to cut off the leaves or pull them and the will separate from the bulb. Kohlrabi stems can be eaten raw or cooked like turnips. Select kohlrabi that is firm and heavy for its size with crisp deeply colored leaves that have no yellowing on their tips. This depends on the variety of kohlrabi that you are growing. Harvest. (Turnips that form bulbs below the soil are best harvested at about the same size.) Take no more than one-third of the foliage when you harvest kohlrabi greens. Place kohlrabi in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable crisper section. How to Store Harvest, Cure, and Store Winter Squash. Storage and Preservation Methods. Crops planted midsummer for fall harvest generally have fewer insect problems and a less bitter flavor. The leaves may be bitter if your kohlrabi is grown in a warmer climate. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Cut into slices to eat raw or add to a salad. How to Harvest Kohlrabi. 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.) Plant extra kohlrabi if you want to save seeds. It’s better to harvest early rather than late. Once the stem reaches 3 inches in diameter, cut the bulb form the root with a sharp knife. Here on the Canadian prairies (zone 3) we typically plant kohlrabi seedlings outside in mid to end May and harvest in early July. It really depends on how many plants you are … The bulbs of different varieties will grow to different sizes, so you'll partially be using your judgment. Pull the leaves off of the upper stems and wash the leaves before cooking. Harvest (when and how): Harvest kohlrabi plants when the bulbs reach 3 inches in diameter. Kohlrabi is gaining in popularity due to its nutritional benefits: fat-free, low sodium, low calorie, high in vitamin c and fiber. Steamed kohlrabi can be also be added to soups. If you cut the kohlrabi in small pieces, it can be stored in an airtight plastic container or plastic bag. Once you have the kohlrabi at the desired size, you simply pull the entire plant up. Cut into cubes to roast. The best time to harvest kohlrabi is when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter, about 45-60 days after planting. 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. A serrated knife is the most effective for harvesting kohlrabi. Harvest by cutting them from the base of the plant. In mild-winter regions, kohlrabi and can be grown and harvested through the winter. The smaller bulbs are the sweetest. Learn how to select and store kohlrabi so you can add this healthy European vegetable to your next meal. They can be blanched and added to salads or steamed as a nutritious side dish. Learn more... Kohlrabi is rapidly growing in popularity. Thin plants to 6-8 inches apart when seedlings are 2-3 inches tall. Once cooled, place the cooked kohlrabi cubes into a plastic bag and put it into the freezer. Harvesting kohlrabi is very straightforward. Kohlrabi can be continuously harvested, up until the stems are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm.) Facebook 0 Tweet 0 Pin 0. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It’s going to be bitter. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in double rows set 1.5 feet apart. Lift kohlrabi from your garden when the mid-stem bulbs swell to 2 to 3 inches in diameter. 1. Kohlrabi that matures in cool weather can remain in the ground until temperatures fall into the 20°sF (-6°C). The bulb is the most important part of your kohlrabi harvest. In addition, it will lose the mild sweetness that we’re aiming for! You can harvest the leaves of the plant well before the base is mature. This brings out the the sweetness in the kohlrabi. Kohlrabi grows pretty fast and the bulb will begin to swell out quickly with uninterrupted growth. % of people told us that this article helped them. Trim the leaves from the stem before cooking or storing. Harvest giant kohlrabi varieties when they are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter. By using our site, you agree to our. In theory you can leave the stems until they are 15cm or so wide and they should still be tender and very edible. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep. Pick the bulbs that are the size of a golf ball. This is a great way to get kids to eat their kohlrabi! Harvest your kohlrabi when the bulbs are 2–4 inches (7–10 cm). Cut the stem just above the soil line. Just grasp the bulb and cut it from the base of the plant with pruning shears, a knife or clippers. The bulb sits on the top of the soil so it's easy to check. Harvest To Table The leaves are also edible and cook up like collard greens. Your email address will not be published. Globes that grow larger than 3 inches (7.5cm) in diameter may become woody. Position your knife at soil level, just under the bulb. I usually let all the kohlrabi get about the same size, but some will be a bit larger while some are smaller. Harvest a kohlrabi stem by cutting it from the base of the plant with a serrated knife. Harvest spring planted kohlrabi when the enlarged stem is 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. Get a recipe: Creamy Kohlrabi and Potato Soup with Winter Savory from Purple Rain Vineyard . When harvesting kohlrabi, it’s vital to keep an eye on the swelling base. Kohlrabi should be blanched (boiled) and placed in an airtight container before frozen. 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. 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. But now that you know how to grow kohlrabi, that shouldn’t be a … An unpeeled kohlrabi can last up to three weeks in the refrigerator. As long as you know best when to harvest kohlrabi, you’ll have plants with a milder, sweeter flavor. 3. Harvest kohlrabi when the stem widens to two inches. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10,546 times. After that, your plants will be too old and too tough. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you plan to harvest it as a fall crop, you can plant the seeds about 90 days before the expected first frost date. You can even use kohlrabi as a potato substitute in a mash! They will start to break and attract birds. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The stem should be about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) in diameter, and the bulbs will be big and healthy-looking. 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. The base should be free of cracks. in diameter. To direct sow outdoors, sow seeds 1 inch apart and ¼ inch deep. Harvest kohlrabi by pulling up the entire plant. Harvest kohlrabi stems when they are still young and tender, usually about 2 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter. Best used fresh and will keep for up to a week if kept cool. 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. Kohlrabi reaches harvest maturity 45 to 60 days after seeds germinate. Remove the seeds from the dried pod by rubbing the pod between your hands. To start seeds indoors, start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before planting. Kohlrabi can be sown outdoors as soon as soil can be worked. Cut the leaves off rather than pulling, to prevent injury to the bulb. How to Harvest Kohlrabi. Harvest the kohlrabi from the pots. Ideally, you should plant it so it comes to harvest before average daytime temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's known as the apple of the vegetables due to its sweetness, and the German turnip because of its origin. Kohlrabi becomes tough and woody as it matures. The larger the kohlrabi bulb gets, the more woody and tough it is to eat. Kohlrabi is ready for harvest when stem globes reach 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) in diameter. To grow: Remove your frozen kohlrabi when you want to use it to cook in soups, stews and stir-fries. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If stored stems get too warm they will sprout new tops and become woody. Depending on its variety you can harvest Kohlrabi 40 to 80 days after planting. Kohlrabi leaves grown in colder temperatures can be eaten like cabbage. Cold and moist storage is a challenge. Harvest a kohlrabi stem by cutting it from the base of the plant with a serrated knife. Store with its leaves and kohlrabi will last a couple of weeks. Remove your kohlrabi before they are the size of a tennis ball. Eating: Kohlrabi bulbs can be used in a variety of ways. Sow a little and often, say every three weeks, for a constant supply. Those in cooler climates can also plant kohlrabi in midsummer for a fall harvest. Kohlrabi keeps for 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge. Container and Pot Sizes: How Much Soil Do I Need? The seeds are easier to remove once the seed pod has dried. For a fall crop, plan your harvest for a week or two after the first fall frost. Plan whether you want to save seeds when planting in the first year. Trim the leaves from the kohlrabi’s round stem before cooking or storing. Harvest the bulb once it reaches a diameter of 1-1/2″ to 3″ for the best flavor. Harvest before the flowers become too mature. 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. Winter harvest. Raw kohlrabi can be grated and used in salads, the bulb can be chopped finely and incorporated into soups. 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! So check the seed packet to know the exact dates. Kohlrabi leaves can be harvested for the table; cook them like you would other greens. Transplant in garden 6 to 8 inches apart. Harvesting kohlrabi is quite simple. If the skin of a globe is tough, peel away the outer layer; the center may still be tender and flavorful. Steam the kohlrabi with other root vegetables. 3. Shred it and mix with an egg and a few tablespoons of flour or breadcrumbs. It’s part of the cabbage family and is very easy to grow. Bulbs that are allowed to grow too big will gain an undesirable woody taste. Plant kohlrabi from seed or transplants. Create a firm seed bed in any reasonably light, fertile, free draining soil. The leaves can be eaten raw or steamed just tender. Where summers are hot, grow kohlrabi in fall and winter. Whichever way you harvest your kohlrabi, make sure to do it carefully especially if you want to harvest again later. The 5 surprising ways you can stop feeling financially trapped. Small to medium-sized bulbs will be sweet and tender. For a continuous harvest, plant kohlrabi every 2-3 weeks. How to Harvest Kohlrabi. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. It does, however, require caring. Keep your kohlrabi longer (8-10 months) by storing it in the freezer. All you have to do is cut them from the base of the plant. Garden-stored kohlrabi can freeze once or twice in winter and still be edible. The bulb sits on the top of the soil so it's easy to check. The leaves can be eaten raw or steamed just tender. Where summers are cool, grow kohlrabi spring through autumn. wikiHow's. Made into fritters. You may need to use a bit of force if your plants have grown bigger. 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. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. One plant will give you one Kohlrabi. 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