Are you interested in growing a vegetable that is packed with nutrients and is also great for your health? Consider growing kohlrabi in your garden! Kohlrabi belongs to the same family as broccoli, and it’s a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. With a mild, slightly sweet taste, kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked, and you can easily grow it in your backyard or balcony garden. In this post, I’ll guide you through the basics of how to grow kohlrabi and help you get that healthy vegetable you’ve been craving.
Kohlrabi is a cool-season vegetable, it thrives in temperatures between 40-75°F (4-24°C). For its growing zones, it is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-12. If you live in a place with a cooler climate, you can plant kohlrabi in early spring or late summer. In warmer climates, it is advisable to grow this vegetable during the fall or winter. Remember that kohlrabi is frost-tolerant and can survive light to moderate frosts, making it perfect for early spring or late fall gardens.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
To plant Kohlrabi, start choosing a site that receives full sunlight and has well-drained, rich soil. The soil pH should ideally be between .0 and 7.5. Kohlrabi grows best when it has consistent moisture, so make sure to water the plants regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Additionally, a balanced vegetable fertilizer can be applied halfway through the growing season to support the plant’s growth and development.
How to Grow Kohlrabi from Seed
Growing kohlrabi from seed is a rewarding and straightforward process. To start, select high-quality seeds from a reputable supplier. Begin the process indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected spring frost or 8-10 weeks before the first fall frost. Use seed trays filled with a quality seed-starting mix, sowing the seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Keep the seed tray in a warm, sunny spot, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into your garden. Remember to harden them off for about a week before transplanting to get them accustomed to outdoor conditions. When moving them outdoors, plant 5-inch apart. Water them thoroughly after transplanting and cover with a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
In approximately 45 to 60 days after planting, your kohlrabi should be ready to harvest. The bulbs should be firm and about 2-3 inches in diameter for the best taste and texture. Remember, kohlrabi tastes best when harvested young; if left too long in the garden, the bulbs can become woody.
How to Grow Kohlrabi from Plant Starts
Planting kohlrabi from nursery plant starts is another viable and often faster method to grow this nutritious vegetable.
To start, choose healthy, well-established starts from your local nursery or garden center. Look for plants that are roughly 4-6 inches tall, with vibrant green leaves, and no sign of pests or diseases.
Once you have your plant starts, prepare your garden bed as aforementioned, ensuring it is in an area that gets full sun, with well-drained and fertile soil. The soil’s pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Dig a hole big enough to accommodate each plant’s root ball and space them about 5 inches apart. This gives the plants enough room to grow and ensures they receive adequate sunlight and air circulation.
Place each plant in its hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, patting it gently around the base of the plant. Avoid burying the stem, as this could lead to rot.
Water the kohlrabi starts thoroughly after planting; then maintain consistent watering throughout the growing season, keeping the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
You can also give your kohlrabi starts a boost by applying a balanced vegetable fertilizer halfway through the growing season. This will support their growth and development, leading to a healthy and bountiful harvest.
How to Harvest Kohlrabi
Harvesting kohlrabi is a relatively simple process. It typically begins 6-7 weeks after seed sowing when the plant’s bulbous stem reaches approximately 2-3 inches in diameter. To check if your kohlrabi is ready to harvest, simply measure the size of its swollen stem.
To harvest, gently hold the plant at the base and use a sharp knife to cut the stem just above the soil line. Be sure not to tug or pull the vegetable as it can damage the plant and the surrounding plants in your garden.
Kohlrabi is best when harvested young; if left too long in the ground, the bulbs may become tough and woody. So, try to harvest kohlrabi when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture.
After harvesting, you can cut off the leafy top and root end, then peel off the outermost layer of the bulb before preparing.
Remember, the entire kohlrabi plant is edible – both the bulb and the leaves. The bulb can be sliced and eaten raw, added to salads, stir-fried, or roasted. The leaves can be prepared just like kale or collard greens.
By regularly harvesting your kohlrabi, you’ll encourage the plant to produce more, extending the growth and harvest season. The more you harvest, the more it grows!
How to Grow Kohlrabi in Containers
Growing kohlrabi in containers or grow bags is an excellent option for those with limited outdoor space or for urban gardeners.
To start, select a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and depth to allow sufficient room for the plant’s root system. Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Fill the container with a high-quality potting mix, which is typically lighter and better draining than garden soil. The soil’s pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Plant your kohlrabi seeds or starts as you would in the ground, following the same spacing recommendations. For containers, you can usually plant one kohlrabi plant per pot. If using larger containers or grow bags, make sure plants are spaced at least 5 inches apart to ensure adequate room for growth.
Water the container thoroughly after planting, then maintain consistent watering throughout the growing season, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Because containers can dry out faster than garden beds, you may need to water more frequently.
As with ground planting, a balanced vegetable fertilizer can be applied halfway through the growing season to support the plant’s growth and development.
Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or disease and take action as needed. With proper care and attention, your container-grown kohlrabi should be ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days, the same as garden-planted kohlrabi. Happy growing!
Different Types of Kohlrabi and their Features
There are several varieties of kohlrabi that you can choose from, each offering unique features and flavor profiles.
- White Vienna: This variety features light green exterior skin and a creamy white interior. It is known for its tender flesh and sweet, mild flavor. It’s a popular variety for both its fast maturity and excellent taste.
- Purple Vienna: A beautiful variety that sports a deep purple exterior and a crisp, pale interior. Despite its vibrant color, its flavor is similar to the White Vienna.
- Grand Duke: This hybrid variety is renowned for its productivity and disease resistance. It produces large, pale green bulbs that have a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Gigante: True to its name, this variety can produce exceptionally large bulbs — up to 10 inches in diameter — without becoming woody or losing its flavor. Its light green skin hides a crisp, spicy-sweet white flesh inside.
- Kolibri: A hybrid variety, Kolibri is known for its striking dark purple skin and crisp white flesh. It matures quickly and maintains a sweet, mild flavor even at larger sizes.
- Early White: An heirloom variety that matures quickly, Early White produces light green bulbs with a delicate, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for cooler climates and early spring or fall planting.
Remember, regardless of the variety you choose, kohlrabi tastes best when harvested young. The younger the plant, the more tender and flavorful the bulb.
Happy Gardening!
Growing kohlrabi in your garden is a great way to add a healthy and nutritious vegetable to your diet. By following these simple tips for soil type, water requirements, light, fertilizer, and harvest time, you’ll be able to grow a bountiful supply of kohlrabi that will provide you with countless meals and snacks.
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