Have you ever heard of kohlrabi? This alien-looking vegetable is one you don’t want to miss out on. Kohlrabi, also known as the “bulbous cabbage”, belongs to the brassicas family, along with broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Its unique shape and taste make it a delightful addition to any garden. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing kohlrabi.
Kohlrabi thrives in cool weather and grows best in well-drained, moist soil. It’s a fast-growing plant that requires an intensive care and attention. To start growing Kohlrabi, you can either buy transplants or directly sow the seeds in your garden. If you’re planning to grow it outside, make sure to wait until all risk of frost has passed. Kohlrabi prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade in hotter areas.
When it comes to soil pH, kohlrabi prefers slightly acidic conditions. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. Mulches are also effective for retaining moisture and keeping the soil cool. If you notice any weeds, make sure to carefully thin them out to avoid competition for nutrients and water.
As kohlrabi grows, you’ll notice its stunning colors. Most varieties have a pale green or white skin, but there are also purple and even yellow varieties available. The bulbous stem is the edible part, while the leaves can be harvested when they’re young and used to make delicious greens. Kohlrabi has a sweet, crisp, and slightly spicy flavor, making it versatile for various recipes. From salads to stir-fries, there’s no limit to how you can cook this unique vegetable.
Kohlrabi is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. To ensure better growth and yield, it’s recommended to provide appropriate fertilizer, such as compost or well-rotted manure, before planting. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater as kohlrabi doesn’t tolerate standing water.
When the kohlrabi plants begin to bloom, it’s a sign that they’re close to being harvested. The stems should be firm and about 2-3 inches in diameter. To harvest, carefully cut the stem just above the soil surface. If you want to store kohlrabi, remove the leaves and store the bulbs in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. The leaves can also be stored separately in a plastic bag for a shorter period of time.
Kohlrabi is an alien veggie that adds a grand touch to any garden. Its unique appearance and delicious taste make it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. So, why not try something different this gardening season and grow your own kohlrabi? You won’t be disappointed!
How to Plant and Grow Kohlrabi
Planting and growing kohlrabi can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially for small growers who are looking to grow something unique and different. Kohlrabi, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, is a cool-season vegetable that is closely related to cabbage and broccoli. In this article, we will discuss some basic guidelines on how to plant and grow kohlrabi successfully.
Choose the Right Time to Plant
Kohlrabi grows best in cool temperatures, between 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 24 degrees Celsius), so it is important to choose the right time to plant. It is a frost-tolerant vegetable and can be planted early in the spring or late in the fall. However, it is important to avoid high temperatures as it can cause the kohlrabi to become tough and woody.
Prepare the Soil
Kohlrabi prefers well-drained and fertile soil. Before planting, work the soil thoroughly to remove any weeds and improve its fertility. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can also help in providing essential nutrients to the plants.
Planting the Seeds
Kohlrabi seeds can be directly sown into the garden bed or started indoors and later transplanted. If starting indoors, plant the seeds in small pots and keep them in a warm and well-lit area. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transferred to the garden beds, spacing them about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
Watering and Feeding
Kohlrabi plants require regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, be careful not to overwater them, as excessive moisture can lead to diseases. Providing a balanced fertilizer every three to four weeks can help in promoting healthy growth.
Protecting Against Common Pests and Diseases
Kohlrabi can be susceptible to common pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. Applying neem oil or Bacillus thuringiensis can help in controlling these pests. Additionally, practicing crop rotation and maintaining good hygiene in the garden can help in preventing diseases.
Harvesting and Storing
Kohlrabi is generally ready to harvest within 55 to 60 days after planting. The best way to know if it is ready is by checking the size of the bulbous stem: it should be about the size of a golf ball. To store kohlrabi, remove the leaves and place it in a plastic bag within the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to a week.
As you can see, growing kohlrabi can be a rewarding experience for any gardener. Its unique flavors and alien-like appearance make it an exciting addition to any vegetable garden. So why not give it a try and have some fun experimenting with this interesting and versatile vegetable!
Kohlrabi quick growing tips
Growing kohlrabi is a great option for those who want to try something new in their garden. This mild and crunchy vegetable thrives in cold-weather and is a member of the brassica family, along with turnips and beets. Here are some quick tips for successfully growing kohlrabi:
| Tips | Facts |
|---|---|
| Select the right variety | There are different varieties of kohlrabi available, but the most commonly grown is the roundish light green variety. |
| Start with fertile soils | Kohlrabi grows best in rich, well-draining soils. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. |
| Plant in the right season | Kohlrabi is a cool-season vegetable and can be grown in both spring and fall. It can tolerate light frost, so it can be planted earlier than other vegetables. |
| Space plants properly | Kohlrabi plants should be spaced about 6-8 inches apart to allow for proper growth. This will prevent overcrowding and promote better air circulation. |
| Keep soil moist | Kohlrabi requires consistent and adequate moisture for optimal growth. Regularly irrigate the plants, especially during dry spells. |
| Thin plants | When the kohlrabi plants reach about 2 inches tall, thin them to allow enough space for the remaining plants to mature. This will promote larger bulbs. |
| Avoid woody kohlrabi | To avoid woody and tough kohlrabi, ensure the plants have consistent and even moisture throughout their growth. |
| Protect against pests | Use organic pest control methods, such as diatomaceous earth or Bacillus thuringiensis, to protect your kohlrabi plants from common pests like cabbage worms. |
| Harvest at the right time | Kohlrabi is usually ready to be harvested 55-60 days after planting. Harvest the bulbs when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter for the best taste and texture. |
| Cooking and storing | Kohlrabi can be cooked and used in a variety of recipes. It can also be stored for several weeks in a cool and dry place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator. |
By following these quick tips, you can successfully grow and enjoy this alien-looking vegetable in your garden. Experiment with kohlrabi and discover its unique flavors and versatility in the kitchen!
Where to plant kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, also known as the alien vegetable, is a common vegetable that you can buy in grocery stores. It is a member of the cabbage family and does well in cool weather.
Kohlrabi grows best in full sun, in well-drained soil. It is recommended to plant kohlrabi in zones 3-10. The seeds should be planted in a row, about 1/4 inch deep and spaced about 4-6 inches apart. Once the plants have grown a few inches tall, they should be thinned to allow enough space for the vegetables to grow.
Kohlrabi can also be grown in containers, especially if you have limited space. Make sure the container is deep enough to accommodate the roots of the plant. Container-grown kohlrabi should be watered regularly and fertilized with balanced fertilizers.
When growing kohlrabi, it is important to watch out for aphids, which are common pests of this vegetable. Use neem oil or other organic insecticides to control aphids. You can also use collars around the base of the plants to prevent cabbage root fly.
Kohlrabi is a tough vegetable and can tolerate mild frosts. However, it is important to protect young plants from frost, as it could damage or kill them. Once the kohlrabi has fully grown, it can withstand colder temperatures.
Harvesting kohlrabi when they are small, about the size of a golf ball, will result in a more tender and flavorful vegetable. The greens can also be harvested and cooked like turnip greens.
Storing kohlrabi is fairly simple. The vegetable can be stored in the refrigerator, in a plastic bag, for up to a week. To preserve its flavor and freshness, avoid storing it with ethylene-producing fruits like apples and pears.
Kohlrabi can be cooked in various ways, such as steaming, roasting, or stir-frying. It has a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with other vegetables and seasonings. If you notice any brown lesions or fungal growth on the kohlrabi, avoid consuming it.
With proper care and attention, kohlrabi can be a healthy and delicious addition to your vegetable garden. Follow the advice given above, and you’ll be able to grow your own tasty alien veggies in no time!
When to plant kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, a member of the cabbage family, is a quick-growing and unusual vegetable that is commonly grown as a cool-season crop. It is also known as the “alien vegetable” due to its unique appearance. Kohlrabi has a round, bulbous stem that is usually light green or purple in color, with long, thick petioles that resemble a row of radishes. The greens of the kohlrabi plant are also edible and can be cooked or eaten raw.
To begin growing kohlrabi, it is important to plant the seeds or seedlings in the right conditions. Kohlrabi prefers a sunny spot in the garden with well-drained, moist soil. It can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, which is typically a few weeks before the last frost. However, kohlrabi can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.
When planting kohlrabi, it is recommended to use a light application of fertilizer or well-rotted manure to provide the required nutrition for the plants. It is important to thin the seedlings to ensure proper spacing and promote intensive growth. Kohlrabi requires regular watering and benefits from mulches to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.
Kohlrabi is a biennial plant, but it is typically harvested during its first year of growth before it has a chance to flower. It is important to harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs are still young and tender, as they can become woody and tough if left to grow for too long. The ideal time to harvest kohlrabi is when the bulb reaches about 2-3 inches in diameter.
When selecting kohlrabi to harvest, it is important to avoid ones that have started to bloom, as this indicates that the plant is past its prime and the bulb may be tough. To harvest kohlrabi, simply cut the stems at the base of the plant and remove any leaves. Kohlrabi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
In conclusion, kohlrabi is a quick-growing and unusual vegetable that can be grown in a variety of soils and climates. By following this guide and providing the necessary care and nutrition, you can enjoy the unique taste and texture of kohlrabi in your garden.
