Welcome to our comprehensive guide on planting, growing, and harvesting kohlrabi seeds! Kohlrabi is a unique cool-season vegetable that often goes unnoticed in the garden due to its peculiar appearance. However, it is a fast-growing and delicious vegetable that deserves a place in every gardener’s plot. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to successfully cultivate kohlrabi seeds, including where to buy the best organic kohlrabi seeds, the different varieties available, and expert tips for planting and nurturing them.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to plant, grow, and harvest kohlrabi seeds with our comprehensive guide.
- Discover the best sources to buy organic kohlrabi seeds and find the perfect variety for your garden.
- Understand the proper planting techniques, including seed depth and spacing, for successful kohlrabi cultivation.
- Explore tips for optimal growth, such as providing adequate sunlight, moisture, and protection from pests and diseases.
- Learn how to harvest and store kohlrabi to enjoy its crisp and flavorful bulbs throughout the season.
About Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, a member of the Brassica family, is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be grown as a spring or fall crop. It is characterized by its distinct purple or green bulb-shaped stem, which needs to be peeled before consumption. The inner white flesh of kohlrabi is sweet, tender, and boasts a crisp texture with a hint of peppery flavor. It can be enjoyed both raw and lightly cooked, making it a versatile addition to various culinary creations.
Not only is kohlrabi a delight for the taste buds, but it also provides numerous nutritional benefits. A biennial vegetable, it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Additionally, the greens of the kohlrabi plant are edible and highly nutritious, offering an additional source of vitamins and minerals.
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful vegetable to incorporate into your meals, look no further than kohlrabi. Its vibrant colors, distinct taste, and nutritional value make it a standout choice for any culinary enthusiast.
Planting Kohlrabi Seeds
To plant kohlrabi seeds, it is important to choose the right location and prepare the soil properly. Here are the steps to successfully plant kohlrabi seeds:
Location and Sunlight
Choose a location that receives ample sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours a day. Kohlrabi thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure that the chosen spot has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, as kohlrabi roots are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.
Soil Preparation
Kohlrabi grows best in rich, slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Mix it thoroughly to ensure the nutrients are evenly distributed.
Planting Dates
The best planting times for kohlrabi vary based on location and climate. In general, you can plant kohlrabi seeds in the spring for an early to mid-summer harvest or in the fall for a fall crop. In warmer regions, kohlrabi can even be grown as a winter crop. Check your local frost dates and plan your planting accordingly.
Indoor and Outdoor Seeding
You have two options for planting kohlrabi seeds—starting them indoors or directly sowing them in the garden.
Indoor Seeding: Start kohlrabi seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Use seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch and keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Outdoor Seeding: If you prefer to sow the seeds directly in the garden, wait until the soil has warmed up and there is no danger of frost. Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and cover them with soil. Water gently after planting to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Growing Kohlrabi
To cultivate healthy and thriving kohlrabi plants, there are several essential factors to consider: humidity, moisture, watering, weeding, and selecting the right kohlrabi varieties. By paying attention to these aspects, you can ensure optimal growth and maximize your harvest.
Humidity and Moisture
Kohlrabi prefers growing in moderate humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%. Adequate moisture is essential for the plant’s overall health and productivity. To maintain proper moisture levels, consider mulching around the base of the kohlrabi plants. Mulching helps retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
Watering
Proper watering is vital for kohlrabi plants. Water consistently and deeply, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and underwatering, which may cause stunted growth. Use your fingers to check the soil moisture regularly and adjust watering accordingly.
Pro Tip: Kohlrabi plants require approximately 1 inch of water per week. However, adjust the watering schedule based on your specific climate and soil conditions.
Weeding
Weeding is crucial for preventing competition for nutrients and ensuring optimal growth for your kohlrabi plants. Regularly inspect the planting bed and remove any weeds that may appear. Weeding not only reduces competition but also helps minimize the risk of pests and diseases.
Kohlrabi Varieties
When selecting kohlrabi varieties, consider factors such as taste, texture, growth habit, and disease resistance. Here are some of the recommended kohlrabi varieties:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| ‘Early White Vienna’ | A classic white kohlrabi variety with a crisp texture and mild flavor. |
| ‘Early Purple Vienna’ | A purple-skinned kohlrabi with tender, sweet flesh. |
| ‘Gigante’ | A large-sized kohlrabi variety known for its exceptional flavor and texture. |
| ‘Grand Duke’ | A heat-tolerant variety with a milder taste and smoother texture. |
| ‘Kolibri’ | A fast-growing variety with mild and tender bulbs, suitable for early harvests. |
| ‘Korridor’ | A high-yielding variety that produces uniform and flavorful kohlrabi. |
| ‘Kossak’ | An heirloom variety with excellent taste and good storage capability. |
| ‘Superschmelz’ | A giant kohlrabi variety with sweet taste and tender flesh. |
| ‘Winner’ | A productive and disease-resistant variety with high-quality bulbs. |
Harvesting and Storing Kohlrabi
When it comes to harvesting kohlrabi, timing is key. The bulbous stems should be harvested when they reach a diameter of 2 to 4 inches. At this size, the stems are succulent, tender, and sweet, offering the best flavor and texture. If left to grow too large, kohlrabi can become tough and develop a bitter taste.
To harvest kohlrabi, simply grasp the stem near the base and gently pull it out of the ground. If the stems are stubborn, you can use a garden knife or shears to cut them just above the soil level. Be sure to remove the leaf stems as well.
After harvesting, it’s important to handle kohlrabi with care to ensure its quality and longevity. Before storing, give the stems a thorough wash to remove any dirt or debris. You can store harvested kohlrabi with other root crops, such as carrots or beets, in a cool and humid place. A root cellar or a cool basement can be ideal for this purpose.
Alternatively, you can store kohlrabi in the refrigerator to extend its freshness. Place the cleaned stems in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them in a damp paper towel to maintain the necessary moisture. Stored this way, kohlrabi can stay fresh for up to 4 weeks.
If you have an abundance of kohlrabi or want to keep it for an even longer period, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze kohlrabi, start by peeling and cutting the stems into small cubes or slices. Blanch the pieces in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the blanched kohlrabi and pack it into airtight containers or freezer bags before placing them in the freezer. Frozen kohlrabi can be stored for several months and used in soups, stews, stir-fries, and other cooked dishes.
Growing Kohlrabi: Tips and Wisdom
Kohlrabi, with its distinctive name, has an interesting history and offers some fun facts that make it even more fascinating. Let’s dive into the origin of the name, the historical significance, and some intriguing facts about this unique vegetable.
Kohlrabi Name Origin
The name “kohlrabi” originates from the German words “kohl” meaning cabbage and “rübe” meaning turnip. This name perfectly captures the essence of kohlrabi, as it is a member of the cabbage family and has a bulbous stem that resembles a turnip.
Kohlrabi History
Kohlrabi has a long history dating back to at least 500 years ago. It was first cultivated in Europe and eventually made its way to the United States. Over time, kohlrabi has become a popular vegetable worldwide, known for its versatility in cooking and its unique taste.
Kohlrabi Fun Facts
- Kohlrabi is rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber. It is a great addition to a healthy diet.
- The bulbous stem of kohlrabi is the most commonly consumed part, but the leaves are also edible and can be cooked or used in salads.
- Did you know? Kohlrabi is not a root vegetable despite its appearance. It is actually an enlarged stem that grows above ground.
- In some cultures, kohlrabi is considered a staple food and is used in traditional dishes.
- Kohlrabi comes in different colors, including green and purple varieties. The color does not affect the taste significantly, but it can add visual interest to your dishes.
- With its mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture, kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw in salads, roasted, steamed, sautéed, or even pickled.
- Kohlrabi can be a great addition to your garden because it is easy to grow and matures quickly.
| Kohlrabi Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| ‘Early White Vienna’ | A popular kohlrabi variety with a white bulb and a sweet, mild flavor. |
| ‘Early Purple Vienna’ | A vibrant purple variety with a similar taste to the white variety, but with striking color. |
| ‘Gigante’ | A large, slow-bolting variety that produces big bulbs with a slightly milder taste. |
| ‘Grand Duke’ | A hybrid variety known for its large size, tender flesh, and excellent flavor. |
| ‘Kolibri’ | A fast-growing variety with a creamy-white bulb and a sweet, crisp texture. |
| ‘Korridor’ | A reliable variety that matures quickly and has a mild, delicate flavor. |
| ‘Kossak’ | A high-yielding variety with a uniform shape, smooth texture, and sweet taste. |
| ‘Superschmelz’ | A German variety that produces giant bulbs with a sweet and nutty taste. |
| ‘Winner’ | A vigorous, early-maturing variety that produces tender, tasty bulbs. |
Now that you know more about the origins, history, and fun facts of kohlrabi, you can appreciate this versatile vegetable even more. Whether you enjoy it raw, cooked, or pickled, kohlrabi offers a unique taste and adds variety to your culinary adventures.
Common Pests and Diseases
Kohlrabi, like many other plants, can be vulnerable to pests and diseases that can hinder its growth and productivity. It is important to implement effective pest control and disease prevention measures to ensure the health of your kohlrabi crops. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect kohlrabi, along with strategies for managing them:
Pests
1. Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of kohlrabi plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To control aphids, you can introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or use insecticidal soap.
2. Cabbage Loopers: These green caterpillars can chew through the leaves of kohlrabi plants, leading to significant damage. Handpicking them off the plants or using biological insecticides like Bt can help control their population.
3. Cabbage Root Maggots: The larvae of these pests feed on the roots of kohlrabi plants, causing wilting and plant death. Applying insecticide or using row covers can help prevent infestations.
4. Flea Beetles: Flea beetles are tiny, black insects that chew small holes in the leaves of kohlrabi plants. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or row covers.
Diseases
1. Black Rot: This bacterial disease causes yellowing, wilting, and blackening of the leaves and stems of kohlrabi plants. Practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plants, and ensure good drainage to prevent its spread.
2. Clubroot: Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that causes swollen roots and stunted growth in kohlrabi plants. Grow resistant varieties, avoid planting in infected soil, and maintain proper soil pH and drainage to minimize its impact.
3. Downy Mildew: Downy mildew appears as yellow patches on the leaves of kohlrabi plants, eventually causing them to die. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides to manage this disease.
4. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in a white powdery coating on kohlrabi leaves. Remove affected leaves, space plants properly for good air circulation, and apply fungicides as needed to control its spread.
By employing these pest control and disease prevention strategies, you can safeguard your kohlrabi crops and promote their healthy growth and productivity.
Conclusion
Growing kohlrabi from seeds can be a rewarding experience for gardeners. By following this comprehensive kohlrabi growing guide, you will have all the necessary information to plant, grow, and harvest this unique and delicious vegetable.
When planting kohlrabi, remember to choose the right variety that suits your preferences. Provide your plants with adequate sunlight and moisture to ensure optimal growth. Protect them from common pests and diseases by implementing effective prevention and control measures.
Once your kohlrabi is ready for harvest, remember to pick it at the right stage of maturity when the bulbous stems are between 2 and 4 inches in diameter. Store harvested kohlrabi in a cool, humid place or in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze it for long-term storage.
With proper care and attention, you can successfully grow your own kohlrabi, enjoying its delicious flavor and reaping its nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this kohlrabi growing guide has provided you with valuable tips and insights to ensure a successful kohlrabi growing journey.