The kohlrabi is a special veggie in the cabbage family. It’s loved by many gardeners. Its bulb-like stem tastes like a mix of turnips and cabbage. Plus, it’s full of fiber and vitamin C.
Kohlrabi can handle cold and dry weather well. This makes it great for growing in spring or fall.
In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for growing kohlrabi. You’ll learn how to pick the best spot, plant, and harvest. Plus, how to store it for the best taste. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help ensure a bountiful harvest of crisp, delicious kohlrabi. Additionally, if you’re looking to diversify your garden, we’ll briefly touch on how to grow healthy cacti, making sure your green thumb extends to both leafy greens and succulents. Let’s dive into all the essentials you need to know for a thriving garden!
Key Takeaways
- Kohlrabi is a fast-growing, cool-weather crop that’s frost-hardy and drought-resistant.
- It belongs to the Brassica family and has a unique, mild, and sweet turnip-like flavor.
- Kohlrabi can be harvested just a few weeks after planting, making it ideal for spring or fall cultivation.
- This guide provides expert tips on how to successfully grow kohlrabi, covering essential aspects from planting to harvesting.
- Proper positioning, soil preparation, direct seeding, and organic fertilization are key factors for successful kohlrabi cultivation.
Understanding Kohlrabi: A Unique Cabbage Family Member
Kohlrabi is a special veggie in the cabbage family. It has a big, swollen stem or “bulb” that grows above the ground. This veggie is full of nutrients and can be used in many ways, making it great for gardens.
Nutritional Benefits and Uses
Kohlrabi is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. It also has iron and calcium. These help keep bones strong, control blood pressure, and improve eye health. You can eat it raw in salads or cook it in stir-fries and soups.
Different Kohlrabi Varieties
- Viennese Early White and Grand Duke are popular green-skinned kohlrabi varieties.
- Purple Vienna and Kolibri offer a striking purple hue to the stem.
Growth Characteristics
Kohlrabi grows fast, ready in 40 to 50 days. It has a big stem and long leaves. It’s good at handling drought and grows best in 60-70°F temperatures.
| Kohlrabi Variety | Maturity Time | Size at Maturity | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korridor Hybrid | 42 days | Green, sweet-tasting roots | Ideal for quick harvests |
| Kolibri Hybrid | 60 days | Purple-colored skin, fiberless flesh | Appealing visual diversity |
| Kossack Hybrid | 60 days | Large green kohlrabi, 8 inches in diameter | Allows for longer growing and storage |
How to Grow Kohlrabi: Essential Growing Requirements
Kohlrabi is a special veggie in the cabbage family. It needs certain growing conditions to grow well. Knowing what kohlrabi needs can help you grow a lot of it.
Kohlrabi loves sunlight, needing at least 6 hours a day. It also needs soil that drains well and is full of nutrients. The best soil pH for kohlrabi is between 6.5 and 6.8.
For kohlrabi soil requirements, mix in compost or other organic stuff. This adds nutrients and makes the soil better. Use a vegetable fertilizer to help it grow strong.
To grow kohlrabi from seeds, plant them 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Thin the seedlings to 2 to 5 inches apart. You can plant them outside when it’s over 45°F. Or start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before moving them outside.
| Kohlrabi Planting and Growing Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Sunlight Needs | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day |
| Ideal Soil pH | 6.5 to 6.8 |
| Soil Preparation | Incorporate aged compost or organic matter |
| Sowing Depth | 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep |
| Thinning Seedlings | 2 to 5 inches apart |
| Transplanting | 4 to 6 weeks after starting seeds indoors |
| Fertilization | Continuous-release vegetable fertilizer |
By following these growing tips, you can grow great kohlrabi. With the right soil, sunlight, and care, you’ll enjoy its unique taste and uses.
Selecting the Perfect Growing Location
Choosing the right spot for kohlrabi is key to a good harvest. Think about these important factors:
Sunlight Requirements
Kohlrabi needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Pick a sunny spot in your garden. Avoid shaded or partially sunny areas, as they can slow growth.
Soil Preparation and pH Levels
Kohlrabi loves fertile, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. Mix in aged compost or other organic materials before planting. The best soil pH for kohlrabi is between 6.5 and 6.8.
Space Considerations
Plant kohlrabi with enough space between each plant. Sow seeds or transplant seedlings 9 to 12 inches apart. Rows should be 18 to 24 inches apart. This helps with root growth and air flow, preventing diseases.
Kohlrabi also grows well in raised beds. These beds offer better drainage and deeper soil. Just ensure the bed is deep enough for the plant’s roots.
By picking the right spot, you’ll grow great kohlrabi. Don’t plant kohlrabi where cabbage or broccoli grew before. This prevents nutrient loss and disease.
Best Time to Plant Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that grows well in spring and fall. It gives you a longer harvest season. The best time to plant kohlrabi depends on your local weather and how fast you want it to grow.
For a spring crop, plant kohlrabi seeds or transplants 4 weeks before the last frost. This lets the plants grow in spring’s cool, mild weather. Green varieties are best for spring.
For a fall harvest, plant kohlrabi 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Autumn’s cooler weather helps kohlrabi grow sweeter. Purple-skinned varieties are hardier and good for summer and fall harvests.
To keep kohlrabi coming, plant every 3 weeks from March to August. This way, you’ll have fresh kohlrabi all season.
Kohlrabi loves cool weather, best between 60-70°F. With the right timing, you can enjoy kohlrabi all year.
| Planting Season | Ideal Planting Time | Kohlrabi Variety Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 4 weeks before last frost | Green varieties |
| Fall | 6-8 weeks before first frost | Purple-skinned varieties |
Planting Methods and Techniques
There are two ways to grow kohlrabi: direct sowing or transplanting. Both can give tasty results. Your choice depends on your growing space and what you like.
Direct Sowing Guidelines
Direct sowing is easy. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, 2 inches apart. When seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, thin them to 6 inches apart.
Transplanting Process
Start kohlrabi indoors if you like. Choose healthy plants with 4-6 mature leaves. Plant them 6 inches apart, with rows 1 foot apart.
Spacing Requirements
Soil must be moist and ready before planting. Use row covers or cloches to protect young plants. Kohlrabi plants need 9 to 12 inches of space for growth.
Follow these planting methods and techniques for a great kohlrabi harvest.
Container Growing Guidelines for Kohlrabi
Growing kohlrabi in containers is rewarding. It lets you enjoy this versatile veggie in small spaces. Start with large containers, at least 15 inches deep and wide. Make sure they have holes for water to drain.
Use a potting mix rich in organic matter. This mix gives kohlrabi the nutrients it needs to grow well.
Plant one kohlrabi per container for the best growth. Put your containers in a sunny spot, but shade them on very hot days. Kohlrabi likes moist soil, so water often.
Choose quick-growing kohlrabi varieties like ‘Grand Duke’, ‘Kolibri’, or ‘Konan’. These varieties grow well in pots and give a quick harvest.
| Variety | Maturity Time | Bulb Size | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Duke | 50-60 days | 4-6 inches | Mild, Sweet |
| Kolibri | 45-55 days | 3-5 inches | Crisp, Juicy |
| Konan | 55-65 days | 5-7 inches | Tender, Flavorful |
Follow these guidelines for a great harvest of growing kohlrabi in containers and container gardening kohlrabi. Enjoy your harvest in your backyard or patio.
Watering and Fertilization Requirements
Keeping the right moisture and nutrients is key for healthy kohlrabi. Let’s explore how to water and fertilize your kohlrabi plants.
Moisture Management
Kohlrabi needs about 1 inch of water a week for best growth. Use mulch to keep the soil moist and stop weeds. This helps your kohlrabi stay hydrated without needing too much water.
Fertilizer Application Schedule
Before planting, mix a nitrogen-rich soil amendment into the soil. This gives your kohlrabi a nutrient boost. Once they’re growing, feed them with a water-soluble plant food or 1/2 cup of nitrogen-based fertilizer (25-0-0) every 10 feet of row, 3 weeks after transplanting or thinning.
Make sure to put the fertilizer 6 inches away from the plants and water well. To keep your kohlrabi growing well, add compost around them monthly. This gives them a steady supply of nitrogen, helping them grow lush and flavorful.
Managing Pests and Common Problems
Growing kohlrabi can be rewarding but comes with challenges. Kohlrabi plants face pests and problems like other veggies. Knowing these issues helps you grow healthy kohlrabi.
Aphids are common pests of kohlrabi. They suck sap, causing color changes, stunted growth, and death. Use insecticidal soaps or ladybugs to fight aphids.
- Cabbage worms, or cabbage loopers, damage leaves. Watch for green caterpillars and use Bt to control them.
- Flea beetles leave small holes in leaves. Use row covers to protect young plants from them.
Kohlrabi can also get diseases like clubroot. This fungal infection stunts growth and deforms roots. Keep soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to prevent clubroot.
Watch for pests and diseases on your kohlrabi. Act quickly to solve problems. With care and the right strategies, you’ll have a great kohlrabi harvest.
Companion Planting and Garden Integration
Companion planting is great for growing kohlrabi. It makes your garden healthier and more productive. By choosing the right plants to grow with kohlrabi, you can keep pests away and make your soil better.
Best Companion Plants for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi does well with cucumbers, beetroot, chives, and onions. These plants help keep pests like aphids and cabbage worms away. They also make the soil healthier and more fertile.
- Cucumbers: Help deter aphids and other pests that can harm kohlrabi.
- Beetroot: Improve nutrient cycling and soil structure, benefiting kohlrabi growth.
- Chives: Repel aphids and other kohlrabi pests with their strong aroma.
- Onions: Deter kohlrabi pests and enhance the flavor of the crop.
Plants to Avoid with Kohlrabi
Don’t plant kohlrabi near cabbage or cauliflower. They need the same nutrients and attract the same pests. Growing kohlrabi with other non-brassica crops helps prevent soil depletion and disease.
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Other brassica crops
By picking the right kohlrabi companions and avoiding bad pairings, you can make a garden that’s full of life. Your kohlrabi plants will grow strong and healthy.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
Harvesting kohlrabi at the right time is key for the best taste and texture. The stem should be 2-3 inches thick, usually 45-60 days after planting. This depends on the type of kohlrabi.
Large stems get tough and woody. So, pick them when they’re young and soft. Cut the bulb at the soil line, leaving the root in the ground. You can also eat the young leaves like kale.
For keeping kohlrabi fresh, store it in the fridge at 32°F and 95% humidity for 2-3 weeks. Peel off the outer skin before eating. Enjoy the crisp, slightly spicy inside raw or cooked.
To freeze kohlrabi, blanch it first. Then, store it in an airtight container. This keeps its flavor and texture for up to eight months.
To keep kohlrabi fresh longer, store unpeeled bulbs in a moist towel. Seal in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer. This keeps the right humidity and prevents drying out. Check the kohlrabi often and remove any bad roots to keep it fresh.
