Harvest radicchio almost any time during growth—when leaves are just 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) long or after a head forms and is firm to the touch. Radicchio matures 60 to 64 days after sowing. Radicchio will grow green or reddish-green until cold weather arrives then leaves will change to a range of reds,…
Harvest and Storage
How to Harvest and Store Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is ready for harvest 40 to 80 or more days after sowing depending on the variety. Know the variety and days to maturity of the variety you are growing. The tastiest kohlrabi is eaten young and tender. Kohlrabi that grows too large will become woody, tough, and bitter tasting. Kohlrabi looks like an above-ground…
How to Harvest and Store Swiss Chard
Harvest Swiss chard when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Swiss chard is ready for picking 30 days after sowing if you want baby leaves. Harvest chard 45 to 60 days after sowing if you want full-sized leaves with a thick midrib. When to Harvest Swiss Chard Harvest Swiss chard any time…
How to Harvest and Store Kale
Kale is ready for harvest as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat. Kale matures 55 to 75 days from seed sowing. It is best grown to mature in spring or fall before temperatures climb into the 70°sF . In mild-winter regions, kale will produce new leaves nearly all winter. When to Harvest…
How to Harvest and Store Spinach
Harvest spinach when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Spinach is ready for picking 40 to 65 days after sowing. When to Harvest Spinach Harvest spinach as close to mealtime as possible for the best flavor. Spinach grows best between 60° and 65°F (15°-18°C)—commonly during spring or autumn. Plants commonly flower (bolt)…
How to Harvest and Store Cauliflower
Cauliflower is ready to harvest 70 to 90 days after sowing seed. Plant cauliflower so it comes to harvest in a cool part of the year; the optimal growing temperatures for cauliflower are the mid 60°sF (15°+C). Plant cauliflower in early spring for harvest before summer heat or plant in late summer for fall harvest….
How to Harvest and Store Broccoli
Harvest broccoli when the heads are green and firm and before the florets have begun to open. Broccoli heads are clusters of flowers. The florets are ready for harvest 10 to 13 weeks after sowing and plants produce buds for 6 to 8 weeks. When to Harvest Broccoli Time broccoli planting so harvest happens in…
How to Harvest and Store Brussels Sprouts
Harvest Brussels sprouts when they are ½ to 1¾ inches (1-4 cm) in diameter, green, and firm. Brussels sprouts are ready for harvest 90 to 110 days after sowing. When to Harvest Brussels Sprouts Start picking after the first frost and continue into early winter in cold-winter regions. Sprouts become sweeter and more flavorful after…
How to Harvest and Store Cabbage
Harvest cabbage at any size after the head becomes firm and before it splits. Leave two to four wrapper leaves around the head to keep it from drying. Heading cabbage can be harvested when the head is about the size of a softball—5 inches (12 cm) or more across, squeeze it to test firmness. Elongated…
How to Harvest and Store Beets
Harvest beets when root tops are 1 to 1½ inches in diameter but not more than 3 inches in diameter. Beets that are allowed to get much bigger than 3 inches (7 cm) across often become tough and fibrous. When to Harvest Beets Beets mature 45 to 60 days after sowing. Beets are cool-season plants…
