How to Grow Kohlrabi: Tips and Tricks for a Bountiful Harvest

Kohlrabi is an odd-looking vegetable that's often overlooked in the garden, but it's actually quite versatile and delicious. If you've never grown kohlrabi before, you might be wondering where to start. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to grow kohlrabi successfully.

Choosing the Right Variety of Kohlrabi

There are many different varieties of kohlrabi to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some are large and round, while others are long and thin. When choosing a variety of kohlrabi to grow, consider the following:

• The size and shape of the kohlrabi
• The flavor and texture of the kohlrabi
• The time it takes for the kohlrabi to mature
• Whether the variety is suitable for your climate

Some popular varieties of kohlrabi include White Vienna, Purple Vienna, and Early White Vienna.

Preparing the Soil for Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi prefers loose, well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and structure. You should also work in a balanced fertilizer that's high in phosphorus, as kohlrabi needs plenty of phosphorus to develop strong roots.

If your soil is heavy or poorly draining, consider building raised beds for your kohlrabi. This will give you more control over the soil composition and drainage.

Planting Kohlrabi Seeds or Transplants

Kohlrabi can be grown from seed or from transplants. If you're starting seeds indoors, plant them about four to six weeks before your last frost date. Sow the seeds thinly in seed-starting mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots or cell packs.

If you're planting kohlrabi directly in the garden, wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15.5°C) before planting. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a light layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge, then thin them to about 4-6 inches apart.

If you're transplanting kohlrabi, do so on a cool, cloudy day or in the late afternoon to reduce stress on the plants. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the transplant and plant it so that the base of the stem is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting.

Caring for Kohlrabi Plants

Kohlrabi needs consistent moisture to grow well, so make sure to water your plants regularly. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Mulching around your plants can help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilize your kohlrabi plants every three to four weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizers that are too high in nitrogen, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of the edible bulb.

Kohlrabi is fairly pest-resistant, but you may occasionally encounter problems with aphids or cabbage worms. Hand-pick any worms you see and spray your plants with a solution of soapy water to control aphids.

Harvesting Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi typically matures in about 55-60 days, depending on the variety. The bulbs should be harvested when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter, before they become woody or fibrous. Use a sharp knife to cut the bulb off at ground level.

Kohlrabi leaves are also edible and can be harvested throughout the growing season. Simply snip off the outer leaves as needed.

A freshly harvested kohlrabi bulb

Growing kohlrabi is easy and rewarding, and it's a great addition to any vegetable garden. With these tips and tricks, you should be able to grow healthy, delicious kohlrabi plants that will provide you with a bountiful harvest.

Growing Kohlrabi, Planting Kohlrabi, Kohlrabi Varieties, Kohlrabi Care, Harvesting Kohlrabi