Kohlrabi bulb: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Kohlrabi bulb
Written By: Rob Gardener Last Updated:
Growing Kohlrabi Bulbs: A Beginner's Guide
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As a gardening enthusiast, I'm excited to share with you my experience growing kohlrabi bulbs from seed. In this article, I'll take you through the process of growing kohlrabi from seed to harvest, including the tips and tricks I've learned along the way.
Why Grow Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that's perfect for adding to salads, slaws, and stir-fries. It's also relatively easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginners. Plus, it's a cool-season crop, which means it prefers to grow in the cooler temperatures of spring or fall.
Getting Started
To grow kohlrabi bulbs from seed, you'll need the following materials:
- Kohlrabi seeds
- Seed starting mix
- Small pots or cell trays
- Water
- A sunny windowsill or grow lights
- Fertilizer (optional)
I started by sowing my kohlrabi seeds in small pots or cell trays filled with seed starting mix. I watered the soil gently but thoroughly, making sure the soil was moist but not waterlogged.
Day 1-3: Seed Germination
After sowing my seeds, I placed the pots or cell trays on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. I kept the soil consistently moist during this time, and within 3-5 days, I started to see my seeds germinate. The first sign of germination was a tiny white root emerging from the soil, followed by a small green stem and leaves.
Day 4-7: Seedling Development
As my seedsling grew, I began to transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden. I made sure the soil was well-draining and the plant had enough sunlight. During this time, I also started to fertilize my kohlrabi plants with a balanced fertilizer.
Day 8-14: Bulb Formation
As the days passed, my kohlrabi plants began to form bulbs. The bulbs were small and white, and they started to push their way up through the soil. I kept the soil moist and provided my plants with plenty of sunlight.
Day 15-21: Harvest Time
After 3-4 weeks of growth, my kohlrabi bulbs were ready to harvest. I carefully dug around the bulbs with a fork, being careful not to damage them. I then lifted the bulbs out of the soil and washed them clean.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks I learned while growing kohlrabi bulbs from seed:
- Soil temperature: Kohlrabi prefers cooler soil temperatures, so make sure the soil is at least 40°F (4°C) before sowing seeds.
- Lighting: Kohlrabi needs plenty of sunlight to grow, so make sure it's getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Watering: Kohlrabi prefers well-draining soil and consistent moisture. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Kohlrabi is a nitrogen-heavy crop, so make sure to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
Conclusion
Growing kohlrabi bulbs from seed was a fun and rewarding experience. With the right conditions and care, you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious vegetable all season long. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, kohlrabi is a great crop to try. Happy gardening!