Kohlrabi Splitting: Watering Swings plus Late Harvest
Kohlrabi splitting is most often a sign the bulb stayed in the ground too long. University of Minnesota Extension notes a bulb that gets too large turns tough, woody plus bitter, becomes fibrous plus may crack.
The short answer
Pick kohlrabi small. Iowa State University Extension advises harvest at 2 to 3 inches across plus notes larger bulbs are usually tough plus woody. Minnesota notes fast growth without heat or moisture stress gives a good crop. Water about one inch a week plus mulch to hold soil moisture.
Why does kohlrabi split?
Minnesota notes over mature bulbs become fibrous plus may crack. It notes spring kohlrabi harvested in summer is more likely to turn fibrous if left to over mature. It also notes the plant thrives in cool weather between 65 plus 75°F in fertile, moisture retentive soil. Iowa State notes cole crops have shallow roots plus need weekly irrigation if rain falls short of one inch.
What size should kohlrabi be picked?
Iowa State advises 2 to 3 inches in diameter. University of Illinois Extension notes kohlrabi has the mildest flavor when small plus advises starting harvest when the first stems are about one inch across. Illinois calls large, older kohlrabi tough plus woody. Iowa State notes most plants mature 50 to 60 days after sowing.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest size | 2 to 3 inches | Iowa State plus Minnesota |
| Days to harvest | 50 to 60 | Iowa State |
| Water | 1 inch per week | Iowa State plus Minnesota |
| Mulch | 2 to 3 inches | Iowa State |
| Growing temperature | 65 to 75°F | Minnesota |
| Fridge storage | Up to 3 weeks | Iowa State |
Source: Iowa State University Extension, University of Illinois Extension plus University of Minnesota Extension.
How does kohlrabi store?
Iowa State advises removing leaves plus roots, then storing bulbs in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Illinois notes storage at 32 to 40°F in the humid crisper for about two weeks. Illinois advises choosing bulbs without cracks or brown spots.
How to: step by step
- Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart.
- Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of straw or shredded leaves.
- Water one inch a week when rain falls short.
- Water more often on sandy soil.
- Measure bulbs from day 50.
- Pull at 2 to 3 inches across.
Troubleshooting
Cracked bulbs: over mature. Minnesota notes large bulbs may crack.
Woody texture: bulbs over 3 inches. Iowa State advises an earlier pick.
Slow growth in sandy soil: dry roots. Minnesota advises watering more often than once a week.
For water see underwatering cannabis plus mulch for cannabis. Read the effects of environmental stresses on weed plants plus cannabis heat stress. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Growing kohlrabi in the home garden, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Kohlrabi (home vegetable gardening), University of Illinois Extension
- Growing kohlrabi in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
- When should I harvest kohlrabi?, Iowa State University Extension
FAQ
What size should kohlrabi be when picked?
Iowa State University Extension advises 2 to 3 inches in diameter plus notes larger bulbs are usually tough plus woody.
How big do kohlrabi bulbs get?
Minnesota Extension notes that if a bulb gets too large it becomes tough, woody plus bitter, so most growers pick at 2 to 3 inches.
Which purple kohlrabi cultivars does Iowa State list?
Iowa State lists Early Purple Vienna plus Kolibri, both with white flesh.
Can kohlrabi be stored after harvest?
Iowa State advises perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Illinois notes 32 to 40°F in the crisper.
How much water does kohlrabi need?
Iowa State advises weekly irrigation if rain does not provide one inch per week. Minnesota advises watering sandy soil more often.
