fbpx

Here is the BEST Time to Harvest Kohlrabi in Minnesota (2023 Guide)

Are you growing kohlrabi in Minnesota, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?

Harvesting kohlrabi is not as easy as it seems.

Here’s why:

  • Kohlrabi have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.

So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.

Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest kohlrabi in Minnesota:

  • To Learn More About HOW to Grow Kohlrabi, Check Out This GUIDE!


When Do I Harvest Kohlrabi in Minnesota?

As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your kohlrabi: the physical features of the kohlrabi & weather (time).

Harvest Kohlrabi if They Look Like This!!!

harvesting kohlrabi

The physical features of kohlrabi are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.

In general, you should harvest kohlrabi if they have the following physical features:

  • The entire kohlrabi is a solid red color. If the kohlrabi is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
  • The kohlrabi is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
  • Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.

Harvest Your Kohlrabi During THIS Time of Year!!!

In general, you should harvest kohlrabi:

  • 65 to 85 days after starting kohlrabi from seed
  • 40 to 50 days after planting kohlrabi in your garden
  • 20 to 30 days after kohlrabi first appear

And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your kohlrabi before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your kohlrabi plant and make your kohlrabi inedible.

For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Minnesota. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.

Minnesota Last & First Frost Dates

minnesota frost dates

It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.

Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.

When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.

  • If kohlrabi are in pots, bring them inside
  • If kohlrabi are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
  • Pick all kohlrabi. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.

If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Minnesota, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.

About the author