When To Harvest Kohlrabi

When to harvest kohlrabi

Unfortunately, many gardeners allow kohlrabi to grow too large before harvesting it. Large, older kohlrabi is tough and woody and it may have an off-flavor. Begin harvesting (pull or cut at ground level) when the first stems are about one inch in diameter. Continue harvest until the stems are 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

What does kohlrabi look like when it's ready to harvest?

The best time to harvest kohlrabi is when the swollen part of the stem reaches 2-3 inches in diameter. What is this? That is about the size of a tennis ball, and usually happens between 50-70 days after planting.

Will kohlrabi grow back after harvesting?

While harvesting, cut the kohlrabi just above the first bract. This is the place where the root will start growing new leaves. Once the leaves start showing, the plant will close the wound on the top, and start regrowing the bulb.

What happens if kohlrabi is left to grow too long?

If the bulb gets too large, it will become tough, woody and bitter. Spring-planted kohlrabi harvested in summer is more likely to become fibrous if you allow them to become over-mature. Fall-harvested kohlrabi can grow a bit bigger without losing quality.

Can you eat large kohlrabi?

The smaller bulbs tend to be more tender and flavorful, but the large ones are also fine for cooking and eating. The bulb and the leaves are all edible (the freshest kohlrabi will still have the leaves attached, which can be eaten raw or cooked like any greens).

How long does kohlrabi last in ground?

Where summers are cool, grow kohlrabi spring through autumn. Where summers are hot, grow kohlrabi in fall and winter. Kohlrabi that matures in cool weather can remain in the ground until temperatures fall into the 20°sF (-6°C). Garden-stored kohlrabi can freeze once or twice in winter and still be edible.

Can you eat green kohlrabi raw?

Kohlrabi is equally tasty raw or cooked. Brad likes to thinly shave the peeled, raw bulbs into matchsticks (you can use a mandoline for help with this) and toss them into a slaw.

How do you pick good kohlrabi?

Selecting kohlrabi

Choose bulbs that feel heavy for their size.
The bulb should be firm and free of cracks.
Smaller bulbs (about the size of a tennis ball) are a bit more tender and slightly more flavorful.
If the greens are attached, they should be deep green in color, firm, and fresh-looking.

Can I freeze kohlrabi raw?

For large bulbs, peel with sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Storing: Kohlrabi can be stored in the vegetable bin for up to a week. Freezing: Cut off tops and roots and wash well. Slice ¼-inch thick or dice into ½-inch cubes.

Can you leave bulbs in the ground all year?

Most bulbs can be left underground all year or stored inside after they've bloomed. After your bulbs have flowered, don't remove their leaves while they're still green; always let the foliage die back on its own. Bulbs gain their strength from their foliage, helping them grow and produce new flowers next year.

Should I remove kohlrabi leaves?

Take no more than one-third of the foliage when you harvest kohlrabi greens. If you plan to harvest the bulbs, leave enough foliage to provide solar energy for the formation of the vegetable. Cut the leaves off rather than pulling to prevent injury to the bulb. Wash greens well before eating.

Can you plant kohlrabi in July?

Kohlrabi can be grown as a spring or fall crop; hot summer temperatures will stress the plant and hamper the growth of its nutritious, bulb-shaped stem.

Can I plant kohlrabi in August?

Plants in the Cole or brassica family are perfect crops you can plant in August. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and Brussels sprouts all do very well in the fall. One very important thing to keep in mind is that you plant all of these plants from seedlings NOT SEED's.

What Cannot be planted with kohlrabi?

Other fruits and vegetables that are heavy feeders and make bad kohlrabi neighbors include corn, cucurbits like summer squash or pumpkins, peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Why is my kohlrabi so small?

Why did my kohlrabi not form a bulb? This can happen when plants are spaced too closely together. It can also come from poor growing conditions such as too warm or freezing temperatures, too little water or a nutrient deficiency.

How do you cook overgrown kohlrabi?

Add potato, kohlrabi or broccoli, stock, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, cover, and then turn the heat down to low. Let simmer until the potato and kohlrabi are very soft, about 30 minutes. Stick blend using an immersion blender (or alternately, transfer to a blender in small batches) and blend until smooth.

Is kohlrabi a Superfood?

Kohlrabi is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium. Vitamin C plays an essential role in repairing wounds and forming scar tissue, as well as maintaining bones, teeth, and cartilage. Vitamin C rich foods also support absorption of iron.

What can I do with woody kohlrabi?

Eat it raw or cook it up — your choice. Some people love to dive right in and eat smaller kohlrabi out of hand, just like an apple. You can also slice it and sprinkle with sea salt, add it to salads and slaws, use it in stir-fries, make it into fritters, or cut it into cubes and roast it.

How big do kohlrabi get?

Kohlrabi is ready for harvest when stem globes reach 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) in diameter. Globes that grow larger than 3 inches (7.5cm) in diameter may become woody. Kohlrabi leaves can be harvested for the table; cook them like you would other greens.

What can I do with kohlrabi leaves?

You can prepare kohlrabi greens in the same way as you would any other Brassica greens. Younger, tender leaves can just be chopped and added to salads or slaws, and more mature leaves and stems can be used in a stir fry, sautéed, or braised as in this recipe.