Harvesting Kohlrabi Plants: Tips and Tricks for a Bountiful Harvest

Are you growing kohlrabi plants in your garden? If so, it's important to know when and how to harvest them to ensure maximum flavor and nutrition. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for harvesting kohlrabi plants that will help you get the most out of your garden.

The Perfect Time to Harvest Kohlrabi Plants

Kohlrabi plants are ready to be harvested when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter. This usually takes about 50-60 days from the time the seeds were sown. However, the best way to tell if your kohlrabi is ready to be harvested is by looking at its size rather than its age.

If you wait too long to harvest your kohlrabi, it may become tough and woody. To avoid this, make sure to check your plants regularly and harvest them at the right time.

How to Harvest Kohlrabi Plants

To harvest your kohlrabi plants, start by grabbing the stem just above the bulb. Twist the stem gently until the bulb comes loose from the ground. If the soil is dry or compacted, you may need to use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the base of the plant before pulling it out.

Once you've harvested your kohlrabi plants, it's important to remove the leaves and roots before storing them. The leaves can be used in salads or cooked as greens, while the roots can be eaten raw or cooked.

Storing Kohlrabi Plants

If you're not planning to use your kohlrabi right away, you can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure to remove the leaves and roots first and wrap the bulbs loosely in plastic wrap or a paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

If you want to store your kohlrabi for longer than two weeks, you can blanch it and then freeze it. To do this, cut the kohlrabi into small pieces and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, rinse the pieces under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Finally, place the pieces in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.

Tips and Tricks for a Bountiful Kohlrabi Harvest

Here are some additional tips and tricks for harvesting kohlrabi plants:

• Plant your kohlrabi in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. This will help the plants grow strong and healthy.
• Water your kohlrabi plants regularly, but make sure not to overwater them. Too much water can cause the bulbs to split.
• Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to help your kohlrabi plants grow quickly.
• Harvest your kohlrabi plants in the morning when they are still cool and crisp. This will help them retain their flavor and texture.
• Rotate your kohlrabi crop every year to prevent diseases and pests from building up in the soil.

A kohlrabi plant in a garden

With these tips and tricks, you should be able to harvest your kohlrabi plants successfully and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to always harvest your plants at the right time, remove the leaves and roots before storing them, and follow good gardening practices to keep your plants healthy and productive.

Kohlrabi, Vegetable, Garden, Harvesting, Organic farming