Guidance on Nurturing and Maintenance of Kohlrabi Plants
Kohlrabi, an uncommon yet easy-to-grow vegetable, is making its way into gardens and kitchens across the globe. This member of the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage and broccoli, boasts fleshy green or purple globes growing beneath green or purple leaves.
Growing Kohlrabi
To grow kohlrabi successfully, sow seeds in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest, ideally in cool conditions. Sow seeds about 6 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart, in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter like compost. Thin seedlings to maintain at least 6 inches spacing to allow bulbs to develop properly. Mulching with straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Regular watering is important, but avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot. Fertilize with organic options such as aged manure or compost to provide nutrients without synthetic chemicals.
Care and Harvest
Kohlrabi is best eaten fresh but can be stored for a short time in the fridge in a perforated bag. Harvest kohlrabi bulbs when they are 2 to 3 inches in diameter (usually about 55 days after planting) before they become woody. Cut the bulb at the base with a sharp knife, leaving roots intact for possible new growth.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests include aphids and cabbage worms; these can be managed using organic methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Crop rotation and companion planting with onions or legumes help reduce disease buildup and improve soil health. Regularly inspect plants for pests and diseases to treat them promptly and avoid stunted growth.
Nutritional Benefits and Uses
Kohlrabi is filling and high in protein, and can be used in recipes as an alternative to meat. It also works well with Indian spices. Kohlrabi is a good source of dietary fibre, calcium, vitamin C, and iron. You can cook kohlrabi or grate it raw into salads, and the leaves are edible, too - eat them steamed like spinach.
Tips for Success
To ensure a continual supply, make several, successional sowings. Harvest until December, or before if you notice the leaves starting to yellow. Thin seedlings to space individual plants 15cm apart. Sow kohlrabi seed direct in moist soil in shallow drills 1.5cm deep outside, with rows spaced 30cm apart. Sowing time depends on the variety and also whether seed is being sown direct outside or started off under cover before planting outdoors.
Protection and prevention are the best courses of action against pests and diseases in kohlrabi. Avoid growing brassicas in the same soil for several years to prevent clubroot, a fungal disease affecting kohlrabi.
Kohlrabi, with its mild flavor similar to broccoli or turnip, is a versatile vegetable that adds a unique twist to any dish. Give it a try and enjoy the culinary adventure!
[1] Garden Myths: Kohlrabi [2] Growing Kohlrabi [3] Kohlrabi: How to Grow and Care for Kohlrabi
Incorporate kohlrabi into a balanced home-and-garden setup by planting it alongside other Brassica family members such as cabbage and broccoli in your home-and-garden plot. Adorn your garden with an array of kohlrabi plants by following the advice provided in gardening resources like "Growing Kohlrabi" and "Kohlrabi: How to Grow and Care for Kohlrabi".
