Kohlrabi: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Kohlrabi

My Journey to Growing Kohlrabi: A Personal Account

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As a gardener and food enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting ingredients to add to my culinary repertoire. One such vegetable that caught my attention was the humble kohlrabi. In this article, I'll share my personal experience of growing kohlrabi from seed to harvest, and provide valuable tips for fellow gardeners looking to try their hand at cultivating this unique vegetable.

Why Kohlrabi?

Before I began growing kohlrabi, I had no idea what to expect from this odd-looking vegetable. Native to Central Europe, kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) and is also known as German turnip or turnip cabbage. Its name is derived from the German words "Kohl" meaning cabbage, and "Rabi" meaning turnip. With its unique appearance and potential health benefits, I was eager to learn more about growing kohlrabi.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting a kohlrabi variety, I wanted to choose one that was easy to grow and suitable for my climate. After researching different options, I settled on a popular variety called 'Lacinta'. This variety is known for its compact growth habit, disease resistance, and mild flavor.

Sowing the Seeds

In late winter, I prepared the soil for sowing kohlrabi seeds. I chose a spot that received full sun to partial shade, and the soil had a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. I sowed the seeds about ¼ inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in late winter or early spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 40°F (4°C).

Seed Starting and Transplanting

After sowing the seeds, I kept the soil consistently moist and provided support for the seedlings as they grew. Once the seedlings had 2-3 sets of leaves, I transplanted them into larger pots or directly into the garden. I made sure to harden off the seedlings before transplanting them to avoid shock.

Plant Care

To ensure healthy growth, I followed a few simple guidelines:

• Watering: Kohlrabi requires consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks after sowing. I watered the plants every 2-3 days, or when the top inch of soil felt dry to the touch.
• Fertilization: I used a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) once a month to promote healthy growth.
• Pest and Disease Control: I kept a close eye out for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and slugs, and used organic pest control methods to address any issues that arose.

Harvesting

After about 60-70 days of growth, my kohlrabi plants were ready to be harvested. I carefully removed the leaves to the base of the stem, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the plant. This allowed the plant to continue producing more roots and leaves. I harvested the kohlrabi in the morning, when the vegetables were at their peak flavor and texture.

Tips and Tricks

Based on my experience growing kohlrabi, here are a few tips and tricks that I'd like to share with fellow gardeners:

• Sow seeds in early spring or late summer/early fall: Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop, and it thrives in temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 75°F (24°C).
• Choose a variety that's disease-resistant: Kohlrabi is susceptible to diseases like club root, which can be devastating to the crop. Choose a variety that's resistant to these diseases, and follow proper growing and care practices.
• Use the right support: Kohlrabi plants can grow quite large, so make sure to provide support to keep them upright and prevent them from toppling over.

Conclusion

Growing kohlrabi was a rewarding experience that taught me the importance of proper care and attention to detail. With its unique appearance and potential health benefits, kohlrabi is a vegetable that's worth growing. I hope that my experience and tips will inspire fellow gardeners to try their hand at cultivating this amazing vegetable.

References

• "Kohlrabi". USDA Agricultural Research Service. 2022.
• "Kohlrabi". Gardening Know How. 2022.
• "Kohlrabi". Encyclopedia Britannica. 2022.