When Is A Kohlrabi Ready To Pick

A kohlrabi is ready to pick when the bulb reaches about the size of a tennis ball, typically 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
 
You’ll know a kohlrabi is ready to pick by feeling the bulb at the base of the stem to check for that firm, swollen shape.
 
If you’ve been wondering when is a kohlrabi ready to pick, the short answer is that it’s all about size and timing, not waiting for a dramatic color change.
 
The best way to figure out when kohlrabi is ready to pick is to start checking your plants about 45 to 60 days after sowing seeds, depending on the variety.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the exact signs that tell you kohlrabi is ready to pick, what happens if you leave it too long, and how to harvest it properly.
 
Let’s dig into the details so you can enjoy this crunchy, cabbage-family veggie at its absolute peak.
 

When Kohlrabi Is Ready to Pick: The Key Signs

Kohlrabi is ready to pick when the bulb feels firm and has stopped expanding rapidly, which is your main visual and tactile cue.
 
Here are the specific things to look for to confirm kohlrabi is ready to pick in your garden right now.
 

1. Check the Bulb Diameter

The most reliable rule for when kohlrabi is ready to pick is measuring the bulb’s width at its widest point.
 
Early varieties are often ready to pick when they’re just 1.5 to 2 inches across, while larger types like ‘Gigante’ can be picked at 4 to 5 inches.
 
For most home gardeners, kohlrabi is ready to pick at 2 to 3 inches, which is roughly the size of a golf ball to a tennis ball.
 
Don’t wait for the bulb to get huge, because that’s the moment when the flesh starts turning woody and tough.
 

2. Feel for Firmness

Another way to tell when kohlrabi is ready to pick is to give the bulb a gentle squeeze with your thumb and forefinger.
 
A kohlrabi that is ready to pick will feel rock solid with no give at all, similar to a crisp apple.
 
If the bulb feels slightly soft or spongy, it may have already passed its prime and started degrading internally.
 
Firmness is a better indicator than color, because kohlrabi can be green, purple, or white depending on the cultivar, and that color doesn’t change much when it’s mature.
 

3. Look at the Leaves

The foliage can also tell you when kohlrabi is ready to pick, even if you don’t want to disturb the bulb first.
 
When kohlrabi is ready to pick, the lower leaves may start to yellow slightly, which is a natural sign that the plant is shifting energy into the bulb.
 
However, if the leaves are still vibrant and upright, the plant is probably still actively growing, so you can wait a few more days.
 
Check the stem just above the bulb; if it looks plump and slightly swollen, that’s another clue that kohlrabi is ready to pick soon.
 

What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Pick Kohlrabi?

If you miss the window for when kohlrabi is ready to pick, you’ll quickly notice the quality decline.
 
A kohlrabi that is not picked on time will become overly fibrous, with a texture like wood instead of that lovely crisp bite.
 
The outer skin also thickens and becomes bitter, so you’ll have to peel it much more aggressively before eating.
 
In extreme cases, the bulb can crack or split open, which invites pests and rot into the flesh.
 
So if you’re unsure when kohlrabi is ready to pick, err on the side of picking it a bit early rather than too late.
 
A smaller, younger bulb is always sweeter and more tender than an oversized one that has gone past its best.
 

How to Harvest Kohlrabi When It’s Ready to Pick

Once you’ve decided that kohlrabi is ready to pick, harvesting is a quick and simple process.
 
Grab a sharp knife or a pair of garden shears and cut the stem at soil level, just below the bulb.
 
You don’t need to pull the whole root system out unless you want to; cutting is cleaner and less disruptive to nearby plants.
 
After you pick kohlrabi, remove the large outer leaves, but leave about an inch of the leaf stems attached to the bulb.
 
This helps keep moisture in the bulb and prevents it from drying out too quickly in storage.
 
Then rinse off any dirt, and your kohlrabi is ready to eat raw, roasted, or shredded into salads.
 

Tips for Storing Kohlrabi After You Pick It

Knowing when kohlrabi is ready to pick is only half the battle; proper storage ensures you get the most out of your harvest.
 
Freshly picked kohlrabi can stay crisp in the refrigerator for up to two to three weeks if you keep it in a plastic bag.
 
Remove the leaves before storing, because leaves draw moisture away from the bulb and cause it to shrivel faster.
 
If you have a bumper crop and can’t eat it all, you can blanch and freeze cubed kohlrabi for later use in soups and stews.
 
Just remember that freezing will change the texture, so it’s best for cooked dishes rather than fresh snacking.
 

So, When Is a Kohlrabi Ready to Pick?

A kohlrabi is ready to pick when the bulb reaches 2 to 3 inches in diameter and feels solid and firm to the touch.
 
You should also watch for slight yellowing of the lower leaves as a secondary sign that it’s time to harvest.
 
Don’t wait too long, because an overgrown bulb becomes tough, bitter, and woody.
 
By checking the size, firmness, and leaf condition, you’ll always know exactly when kohlrabi is ready to pick.
 
So next time you’re in the garden and asking when is a kohlrabi ready to pick, just measure it and give it a squeeze.
 
That’s all it takes to enjoy this unique vegetable at its crunchiest, sweetest best.