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
Harvest spring planted kohlrabi when the enlarged stem is 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. Harvest summer and autumn planted kohlrabi when the stem is 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter. Harvest giant kohlrabi varieties when they are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter. Kohlrabi is ready for harvest…
How to Harvest and Store Swiss Chard
When to Harvest 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. The leaves of full-size chard can…
How to Harvest and Store Kale
When to Harvest Kale: Harvest kale as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat. Pick large, outside kale leaves first; leave the center ones to grow on. Regular harvest and even watering will keep kale plants producing new tender leaves for several months—as long as the weather stays cool. Kale leaves will be…
How to Harvest and Store Spinach
Harvest spinach when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Store spinach cold and moist. Spinach is ready for picking 40 to 65 days after sowing. How to Harvest Spinach Cut spinach leaf by leaf—cut the outer leaves first allowing the inner leaves to grow larger–or cut away the whole plant one inch…
How to Harvest and Store Cauliflower
When to Harvest Cauliflower: Harvest cauliflower when heads are 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter but still compact and smooth. The cauliflower head is a collection of flower buds; harvest the head while it is white and before yellow buds start to open. Cauliflower loses its flavor and texture when buds loosen. Cauliflower…
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. Once flower heads open to yellow flowers the buds will be…
How to Harvest and Store Brussels Sprouts
How to Harvest 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. 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
Here are easy to follow tips to harvest and store cabbage. How to Harvest 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. • When a head of cabbage is about the size of…
How to Harvest and Store Beets
When to Harvest 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. Beets for kitchen use mature 45 to 60 days after sowing. Beets…