How to Grow Kohlrabi: The Ultimate Guide
Looking to add a splash of color and flavor to your garden plot? Kohlrabi just might be the vegetable for you!
This strange-looking bulb can be grown either in the ground or in containers, and is a relative of cabbage and broccoli.
Keep reading for tips on how to grow kohlrabi successfully in your own backyard.
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Is Kohlrabi Easy to Grow?
Kohlrabi plants aren't the easiest in the world to grow - but the good news is that they aren't the most difficult, either. Here are some tips:
Space the plants 9-12" apart
Give them full sun and well-drained soil
Soil pH should be around 6.5-6.8
Provide 1-1.5" of water per week
Use this garden planning chart to determine the best location in your garden for kohlrabi
Now, I understand that kohlrabi isn’t the most common vegetable out there - so if you’re looking for tips on how to prepare it after you’ve grown it in the garden, be sure to check out this video:
How Long Does Kohlrabi Take to Grow?
Kohlrabi is a type of cabbage that is characterized by its round, bulbous stem. It is a cool-weather crop that is typically grown in the spring or fall. It is in the mustard family so it is closely related to other plants in the cabbage family, like broccoli and cauliflower.
Kohlrabi can be harvested as soon as the stem reaches tennis ball size, which usually takes about 2-3 months or 8-12 weeks depending on the growing conditions.
However, it can also be left to grow larger, up to the size of a softball.
When harvesting kohlrabi, cut the stem close to the base of the plant. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used in salads or stir-fries.
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few fun recipes!
Tips for Growing Kohlrabi
Again, kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and has a similar taste to turnips.
It is a cool weather vegetable that can be grown in most temperate climates.
The best way to plant kohlrabi is from seedlings or transplants, as it does not do as well when directly seeded.
Kohlrabi is a relatively low maintenance crop and does not require much fertilization. However, it benefits from consistent watering, especially during dry periods.
Here are some more tips to help you grow kohlrabi successfully, regardless of where you live.
Sowing Seeds
For gardeners who want to get a head start on the growing season, starting kohlrabi seeds indoors is a great option. You can use a germination station like this!
Here are some simple instructions to follow:
First, fill a seed tray with moistened potting mix. Then, make small indentations in the mix and drop in two or three seeds.
Be sure to keep the tray moist and warm, and within a few weeks, you should see tiny seedlings emerging. Once they have reached about four inches tall, thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest one remains in each indentation.
Finally, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and place them in a sunny spot or beneath grow lights. With a little care and attention, your kohlrabi plants will thrive indoors until it’s time to transplant them outdoors.
You can also sow kohlrabi seeds in the garden. It's a cold weather crop that prefers cool temperatures and can be planted when the weather is still a bit chilly, but it grows best when it's around 60-80 degrees F.
You can also plant in a succession model. Sow seeds four to six weeks after the last frost date and you'll have a crop in eight weeks. Sow in early August for a fall harvest and sow later than that if you want a winter crop (in snow-free areas).
Just keep in mind that if you plant in June or July, the bulbs might be smaller and a bit tougher, especially if you aren't careful about providing enough water. These plants definitely like things cooler!
Best Location for Kohlrabi Plants
Kohlrabi prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. It should be planted in moist, well-drained soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter.
Plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 24 to 30 inches apart. These bulbs can grow to about two to three inches in diameter each, so you want to make sure you have room for them to develop fully when you sow seeds or plant transplants.
When choosing a location for kohlrabi plants, it is important to consider the amount of space that will be needed for each plant to grow. In addition, kohlrabi does best in soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can cause the kohlrabi to taste bitter.
When to Transplant Kohlrabi
When it comes to transplanting kohlrabi outside, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, you will need to choose the right time of year - kohlrabi need a certain number of cold days in order to fully form and harden off before they can be planted outside.
Once this window has passed, it is generally safe to start moving your plantings outside little by little until you're ready for them to go into their permanent home in the garden.
In addition, you should gradually expose your plants to outdoor conditions for a few days at a time in order to help them get used to the harsher weather.
With these tips in mind, you can successfully transplant your kohlrabi from inside to out and help ensure that your plants flourish once they are planted outdoors.
Watering Plants
When growing kohlrabi, it is essential to provide the plants with adequate moisture. This can be done through a variety of different methods, depending on your climate and environment.
One key tip for watering kohlrabi is to keep the soil evenly moist at all times.
To do this, you may need to water the plant more frequently in hot weather or during periods of low rainfall. Water first thing in the morning - again, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist - and be even more attentive to freshly-planted kohlrabi seedlings.
While you might be able to get by with watering kohlrabi plants just once every few days once the plants are established, kohlrabi seedlings are more sensitive to fluctuations in soil moisture. Water daily until your plants are established.
Additionally, mulching around the base of the plant can help to slow down evaporation and retain moisture for longer periods of time.
Finally, having the right soil type is also important, as well as using suitable fertilizers that support healthy growth and development. This will make your plant better at withstanding periods of drought.
With these tips in mind, you can make sure that your kohlrabi plants always have access to ample amounts of water, allowing them to thrive and flourish.
Weeding Plants
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked.
However, it is important to keep the plant well-weeded, as weeds can compete with kohlrabi for space and nutrients.
One way to prevent weeds from taking over is to use an organic mulch around the base of the plant. This will help to block out light and prevent weed seeds from germinating.
Another effective weed-control method is to hand-pull weeds as soon as they appear. Be sure to pull up the entire root system so that the weed does not regrow.
With a little effort, you can keep your kohlrabi plants healthy and weed-free.
When to Harvest Kohlrabi
There are a few key indicators that can help you to determine the best time to harvest your kohlrabi crop. One factor to consider is the size of your plants.
Generally, it is best to wait until the kohlrabi bulbs reach about the size of your fist, as this will ensure that they are fully developed and store well over the winter.
Another important factor is color. In order for kohlrabi bulbs to be at their peak of sweetness and flavor, they should be a vibrant green or purple.
It is also important to remember that harvesting too early can result in smaller bulbs, so it is often best not to pick until at least 80% of the plant has turned color.
When harvesting kohlrabi, cut the stem just above the ground with a sharp knife. Smaller kohlrabi are usually more tender and have a milder flavor than larger ones. Kohlrabi can be eaten raw, roasted, or cooked in a variety of dishes.
Troubleshooting Kohlrabi Growing Problems
Here are a few of the most common problems you might encounter when growing kohlrabi.
Pests and Diseases
One of the main challenges facing gardeners who grow kohlrabi is dealing with pests and diseases.
Kohlrabi is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
This means that it is susceptible to the same pests and diseases that other members of the family are afflicted by.
These include cutworms, cabbage worms, flea beetles, aphids, damping off, root rot, and snails and slugs.
To protect your kohlrabi plants from these pests and diseases, it is important to take preventive measures.
These measures include choosing resistant varieties, practicing crop rotation, and keeping your garden clean and free of debris. If you do find pests or disease on your plants, there are a number of organic methods that can be used to eliminate them, like natural predators.
While natural predators, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, can help to keep these pests in check, chemical pesticides may also be necessary in order to prevent an infestation.
Additionally, kohlrabi is prone to a number of fungal diseases such as botrytis blossom blight and phoma black spot. To mitigate the risk of contamination, it's important to remove infected plant parts as soon as possible and to avoid overhead watering during rainy periods.
Also, water early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. You should also avoid overhead watering and remove any dead or dying leaves from the plant.
With proper care and attention, however, it's possible to grow a productive and healthy patch of kohlrabi despite these common pests and diseases.
Fertility Issues
When it comes to growing kohlrabi, fertility issues can often be a source of frustration and difficulty. Because this unique vegetable requires good nutrition in order to thrive, it is important to pay close attention to the health of your soil and make any necessary amendments in order to promote growth.
Some common fertilizers that are beneficial for kohlrabi include nitrogen-rich compost and organic mulches, which help build up nutrients in the soil over time.
It is important to keep an eye on pH levels, as this will affect the availability of different nutrients for plant uptake.
Overall, by focusing on proper soil health when growing kohlrabi, you can help ensure that your plants have all of the essential nutrients that they need for optimal growth and development.
Bolting
Bolting occurs when a plant flowers prematurely. This can be caused by stress, such as too much or too little water, or by temperature fluctuations.
If you notice your kohlrabi plants beginning to bolt, harvest the bulbs immediately. They will not continue to grow and will be tough and bitter.
Companion Planting
Kohlrabi is a cruciferous vegetable that is related to cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Therefore, you should avoid planting kohlrabi near these plants or in an area where they were grown in the last two years. They can attract similar pests and diseases.
That said, kohlrabi can be planted as a companion to other vegetables, such as tomatoes, beans, and peas.
When companion planting with kohlrabi, it is important to plant the kohlrabi first.
This will give the kohlrabi a chance to establish itself before the other plants start to crowd it out.
Companion planting with kohlrabi can help to improve the flavor of the vegetable and increase its yield.
Other good companions for kohlrabi include:
Beans
Beets
Celery
Rosemary
Nasturtiums
Chives
Storing Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi can last several months in cold storage, just like other members of the cabbage family.
One of the best ways to store the kohlrabi bulb in a cool, dark location. This allows the vegetable to retain its nutrients and remain fresh for longer. It's important to first remove any dirt or loose leaves from the kohlrabi, as well as trimming off any bruised or damaged areas. Don't wash your winter harvest, though - just brush off the loose dirt.
You can also wrap the kohlrabi bulbs in newspaper or other protective material if you wish. Then, simply place the container in a root cellar or somewhere else out of direct sunlight.
By following this simple method, you will be able to enjoy your kohlrabi crop throughout the winter months without worrying about spoilage or nutrient loss.
Does Kohlrabi Come Back Every Year?
Kohlrabi is a hardy vegetable that will come back every year if you allow some of the bulb to remain in the ground over winter.
That's because it is technically a biennial. It will flower and set seed the second year, though, rather than producing another edible stem.
Where Does Kohlrabi Grow Best?
When it comes to growing kohlrabi, there is no set answer. Depending on your climate and growing conditions, this delicious root vegetable may do better in one part of the country than another.
In general, kohlrabi tends to thrive in cooler temperatures and relatively moist soil, with full sun exposure. Keep the soil moist and grow your plants about 12 inches apart for the best results. Kohlrabi grows best when it has plenty of space!
Additionally, well-aired soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter will help promote optimal growth.
When grown in these conditions, kohlrabi can thrive almost anywhere from the mountains to the coast.
Ultimately, the key to successfully growing kohlrabi is getting to know your local growing conditions and finding the right mix of sun, shade, and moisture for your particular climate.
With a little care and attention, you will be rewarded with beautiful crops of crisp, tasty kohlrabi that are sure to be a hit at any meal.
Kohlrabi is a great vegetable to grow in your garden, and with a little bit of TLC it will reward you with plenty of tender greens throughout the spring and summer. Follow these tips to help make sure your kohlrabi plants thrive!
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