From Seed to Harvest: Comprehensive Guide on How to Plant Kohlrabi for Beginners

Kohlrabi, with its unique bulbous stem and mild, slightly sweet flavor, is a delightful addition to any garden. This versatile vegetable can be enjoyed raw, steamed, roasted, or even pickled. But before you can savor its deliciousness, you need to know how to plant kohlrabi. This comprehensive guide will take you through the entire process, from choosing the right seeds to harvesting your bountiful harvest.

Getting Started: Choosing the Right Kohlrabi Variety and Location

The first step in your kohlrabi journey is selecting the right variety for your climate and preferences. There are numerous varieties available, each with its own characteristics:

• Early maturing varieties: For a quick harvest, choose early maturing varieties like ‘Early White Vienna’ and ‘Early Purple Vienna.’ These varieties mature in 45-60 days.
• Late maturing varieties: For larger, more flavorful bulbs, opt for late maturing varieties such as ‘Grand Duke’ and ‘Purple Vienna.’ These varieties take 70-80 days to mature.
• Purple varieties: If you prefer a vibrant purple color, choose varieties like ‘Purple Vienna’ or ‘Grand Duke.’ These varieties have a slightly sweeter flavor than white kohlrabi.

Once you’ve chosen your variety, consider the location for planting. Kohlrabi thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a well-drained location with fertile soil. Avoid planting kohlrabi in areas prone to flooding or where the soil compacts easily.

Preparing the Soil for Success

Preparing the soil is crucial for healthy kohlrabi growth. Here’s how to get your soil ready:

• Test the soil pH: Kohlrabi prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. If your soil is too acidic, you can amend it with lime. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur.
• Amend the soil: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve drainage and add nutrients.
• Till the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. This allows for proper root development.

Planting Kohlrabi Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that your soil is ready, it’s time to plant your kohlrabi seeds:

1. Direct sowing: Kohlrabi can be directly sown into the garden bed. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart.
2. Spacing: Space rows 12-18 inches apart.
3. Watering: Water the seeds thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
4. Thinning: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 6-8 inches apart. This gives the plants enough space to grow.

Nurturing Your Kohlrabi Plants: Essential Care Tips

Kohlrabi requires consistent care to thrive. Here are some essential tips for keeping your plants healthy:

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize your kohlrabi plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You can also use compost tea or manure tea.
• Weeding: Keep the area around your kohlrabi plants weed-free. Weeds compete with your plants for nutrients and water.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your kohlrabi plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Your Kohlrabi: Timing and Techniques

The most exciting part of growing kohlrabi is harvesting your delicious bounty! Here’s what you need to know:

• Harvesting time: Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter. The bulbs should feel firm and smooth.
• Harvesting technique: Use a sharp knife to cut the bulb at the base of the stem. Leave about an inch of stem attached to the bulb.
• Storage: Store harvested kohlrabi in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Beyond the Harvest: Tips for Extending Your Kohlrabi Season

You can enjoy kohlrabi throughout the season by extending your harvest:

• Successive planting: Plant kohlrabi seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh bulbs.
• Cool-season crop: Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop, so you can plant it in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.

The End of the Harvest: A Farewell to Your Kohlrabi Patch

As your kohlrabi season comes to an end, it’s time to tidy up your garden:

• Remove plant debris: Clear out any remaining kohlrabi plants and debris from your garden bed. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
• Amend the soil: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to replenish nutrients.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I grow kohlrabi in containers?

A: Yes, kohlrabi can be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. Use a well-draining potting mix and follow the same planting and care instructions as for garden beds.

Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect kohlrabi?

A: Cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles are common pests that can damage kohlrabi. You can control these pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Kohlrabi is also susceptible to diseases like clubroot and blackleg. To prevent these diseases, rotate crops and avoid planting kohlrabi in the same spot year after year.

Q: How can I tell if my kohlrabi is ready to harvest?

A: Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter. The bulbs should feel firm and smooth. If the bulbs are too small, they will be tough and stringy. If they are too large, they may become woody and bitter.

Q: What are some creative ways to use kohlrabi in the kitchen?

A: Kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw, steamed, roasted, or pickled. Try slicing it thinly for salads, shredding it for coleslaw, or roasting it with herbs and spices. You can also pickle kohlrabi for a tangy and crunchy treat.

Q: Can I save seeds from my kohlrabi plants?

A: While you can technically save seeds from kohlrabi, it’s not recommended. Kohlrabi is a hybrid vegetable, which means the seeds will not produce plants that are true to type. If you want to save seeds, choose an open-pollinated variety.

By following these simple steps, you can successfully grow your own delicious kohlrabi. From choosing the right variety to harvesting your bountiful harvest, this guide has equipped you with all the knowledge you need to enjoy this unique and rewarding vegetable. Happy gardening!