Welcome to the comprehensive guide to growing kohlrabi, your ultimate resource for cultivating this unique and nutritious vegetable. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of kohlrabi cultivation, covering everything from soil preparation to pest management. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey, this guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to grow bountiful kohlrabi in your own backyard.
How to Grow Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is an easy vegetable to grow in your garden. You can grow it from seeds or seedlings, and it grows best in cool weather.
Choosing a Site
Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter.
Planting Kohlrabi
You can start kohlrabi seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in a seed tray filled with potting mix. Keep the seeds moist and warm (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week or two before transplanting them into the garden.
Transplant the seedlings into the garden 12-18 inches apart. Water the seedlings deeply after transplanting.
Watering & Fertilizing
Water kohlrabi plants regularly, especially during dry weather. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter. You can harvest kohlrabi by cutting the bulbs from the plants.
Tips
- Kohlrabi is a good companion plant for beets, celery, herbs, onions, and potatoes.
- Avoid planting kohlrabi with pole beans, strawberries, and tomatoes.
- Kohlrabi is susceptible to clubroot disease. To prevent clubroot, plant kohlrabi in soil with a pH of 6.0 or less.
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Nutrient Management and Fertilization: A Guide to Optimized Kohlrabi Cultivation
Key Takeaways:
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks using a balanced fertilizer to supply essential nutrients.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent nutrient leaching and root issues.
- Monitor soil pH and ensure it’s within the optimal range of 6.0 to 6.5.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Essential Nutrients for Kohlrabi Growth:
- Nitrogen: Promotes foliage growth and overall plant vigor.
- Phosphorus: Crucial for root development and energy storage.
- Potassium: Improves disease resistance and fruit quality.
Fertilization Schedule:
- 1st Application: Apply a balanced fertilizer at transplanting.
- Subsequent Applications: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks until maturity.
- Amount: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
Organic Fertilizers:
- Compost: Rich in nutrients and organic matter.
- Manure: Provides a slow-release source of nutrients.
- Bone meal: High in phosphorus, ideal for root development.
Additional Tips:
- Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Monitor pH: Test the soil pH regularly and adjust as needed.
- Use companion plants: Interplant with carrots, onions, or tomatoes for mutual benefits.
By following these nutrient management guidelines, you can optimize the growth and yield of your kohlrabi plants, ensuring a bountiful harvest of this nutritious vegetable.
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Pest and Disease Control Measures
When cultivating kohlrabi, safeguarding your crop from pests and illnesses is essential for a flourishing harvest.
Pest Management:
- Insect Netting: Shield your kohlrabi from pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage white butterflies by draping insect netting over your plants.
Disease Prevention:
- Crop Rotation: Practice crop rotation to prevent the buildup of diseases in the soil. Avoid planting kohlrabi in the same location year after year.
- pH Level: Kohlrabi favors acidic soil, which inhibits the growth of clubroot, a common fungal disease. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Additional Tips:
- Companion Planting: Plant kohlrabi alongside beneficial companions like carrots, onions, tomatoes, and spinach to deter pests and attract helpful insects.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure proper spacing between plants to promote air circulation and reduce disease risk.
- Keep Weeds at Bay: Control weeds around your kohlrabi plants, as they can harbor pests and diseases.
Key Takeaways:
- Pest Control: Use insect netting.
- Disease Prevention: Implement crop rotation and adjust soil pH.
- Additional Tips: Use companion planting, avoid overcrowding, and keep weeds under control.
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Harvesting and Storage Techniques
When Harvesting Kohlrabi, its distinctive bulbous stems are ready to be picked once they reach a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. Gently pull the entire plant from the ground, removing the leaves and roots. For optimal storage, place them within perforated plastic bags and refrigerate for a preservation period of up to 3 weeks.
The Harvesting Method involves pulling the entire plant out of the soil, including roots. Alternatively, you can cut the stems at their base, allowing the plant to flower and produce seeds.
Storing Kohlrabi
Dependent on Variety
Harvest time can vary from 40 to 80 days post-planting, with smaller bulbs yielding a sweeter taste.
Key Takeaways:
- Harvest when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Pull the entire plant from the ground.
- Store in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Smaller bulbs are typically sweeter.
- Harvest time can vary depending on the variety (40-80 days).
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FAQ
Q1: What are suitable companion plants for kohlrabi?
A1: Ideal companion plants for kohlrabi include beets, celery, herbs, onions, and potatoes. Avoid planting kohlrabi with pole beans, strawberries, or tomatoes.
Q2: What are the optimal growing conditions for kohlrabi?
A2: Kohlrabi prefers full sun exposure, nutrient-rich, consistently moist, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH range (5.5-6.9). It can be grown in containers or raised beds.
Q3: When is the best time to plant kohlrabi?
A3: Kohlrabi should be planted in spring or fall, especially in warm winter regions. Ensure soil temperatures are greater than 40°F (4.5°C) before planting.
Q4: How often should I water my kohlrabi plants?
A4: Kohlrabi requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering.
Q5: What are the common pests and diseases that affect kohlrabi?
A5: Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage white butterflies. Common diseases affecting kohlrabi include clubroot, blackleg, and powdery mildew. Crop rotation and insect netting can help prevent these issues.
