Kohlrabi is a nutritious and easy-to-grow vegetable in the Brassica family, along with cabbage, kale, and broccoli. It produces a bulb that can be eaten raw or cooked, offering a mild, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor. If you’re looking to grow kohlrabi at home for a rewarding harvest, this guide will walk you through the steps.

Why Grow Kohlrabi at Home?

There are many benefits to growing kohlrabi at home:

• Fast-Growing: Ready to harvest in just 6-8 weeks.
• Cold-Hardy: Tolerates cool temperatures, making it ideal for spring and fall gardening.
• Minimal Space Needed: Can be grown in small gardens or containers.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with Vitamin C, B6, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Low Maintenance: Requires relatively little care compared to other root vegetables.

Step 1: Choose the Right Kohlrabi Variety

Before planting, select a variety that suits your growing conditions:

• White Vienna: Fast-growing with pale green bulbs.
• Purple Vienna: Features a vibrant purple bulb with a slightly spicier flavor.
• Grand Duke: A hybrid variety known for its uniform growth and pest resistance.
• Kossak: Produces larger bulbs and stores well after harvest.

For beginners, White Vienna or Purple Vienna are excellent choices due to their quick growth and ease of care.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Kohlrabi thrives in loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil. The ideal pH for growing kohlrabi is between 6.0 and 7.5.

Soil Preparation Steps:

• Choose a Sunny Location: Kohlrabi needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Loosen the Soil: Break up compacted soil to a depth of 8-12 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
• Add Organic Matter: Mix in compost, aged manure, or other organic fertilizers to improve fertility.
• Ensure Good Drainage: If your soil is heavy clay, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
• Avoid High-Nitrogen Fertilizers: Excessive nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

Pro Tip: Adding wood ash or crushed eggshells can boost calcium levels, helping to prevent stem cracking and promote bulb growth.

Step 3: Plant Kohlrabi Seeds or Seedlings

You can grow kohlrabi from seeds or transplants. If planting in early spring, starting seeds indoors will give you a head start before moving seedlings outdoors.

Growing from Seeds:

• Start Indoors: Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost for an early start.
• Direct Sow: If sowing directly in the garden, plant seeds ¼ inch deep and 2 inches apart.
• Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to 6-8 inches apart.
• Water Gently: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs (within 5-10 days).

Growing from Seedlings:

• Transplant Carefully: Once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them outdoors.
• Proper Spacing: Plant seedlings 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
• Water Well: Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Growing in Containers:

• Choose a Deep Container: Select a container at least 12 inches deep to allow for proper root growth.
• Use Quality Potting Soil: Use a good-quality potting mix amended with compost for nutrients.
• Ensure Drainage: Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Step 4: Essential Care for Maximum Yield

• Watering:
  • Keep the soil evenly moist by watering 2-3 times per week.
  • Avoid overwatering, which can cause bulbs to rot and crack.
  • Use mulch to help retain moisture and prevent the soil from drying out.
• Fertilizing:
  • Apply a balanced organic fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 NPK) every 2-3 weeks.
  • Use compost tea or fish emulsion for a natural nutrient boost.
• Weed Control:
  • Keep the garden bed free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
  • Apply a thin layer of mulch to naturally suppress weeds.
• Pest and Disease Management:
  • Common Pests: Aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles – use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Diseases: Downy mildew and clubroot – avoid overcrowding and improve air circulation.
  • Companion Planting: Plant kohlrabi near onions, garlic, or marigolds to deter pests.

Step 5: Encourage Larger Bulbs

• Thinning and Pruning:
  • Thin plants if they are growing too close together to allow for better air circulation.
  • Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage energy to be directed to bulb growth.
• Support Growth:
  • In mid-season, side-dress plants with a thin layer of compost around the base.
  • Ensure the soil remains loose to allow the bulbs to expand properly.

Step 6: Harvesting Your Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi typically matures in 50-70 days, depending on the variety. Signs that your kohlrabi is ready for harvest include:

• The bulb reaches a diameter of 2-4 inches (smaller bulbs are more tender).
• The stem is firm and smooth without cracks.
• The leaves remain healthy and green.

How to Harvest:

• Use a Sharp Knife: Cut the bulb at the base, leaving a few leaves attached.
• Harvest in the Morning: Cooler temperatures help maintain crispness.
• Avoid Overgrown Bulbs: Bulbs larger than 4 inches may become woody and tough.

Step 7: Storing and Enjoying Your Homegrown Kohlrabi

• Short-Term Storage:
  • Store fresh kohlrabi in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
  • Keep unwashed in a perforated plastic bag.
• Long-Term Storage:
  • Freezing: Blanch and cut kohlrabi into pieces before freezing.
  • Pickling: Make pickled kohlrabi for extended shelf life.
  • Dehydrating: Dry slices for use in soups and stews.

Delicious Ways to Use Kohlrabi:

• Raw: Slice and add to salads or coleslaw for a crunchy texture.
• Roasted: Toss with olive oil and roast until caramelized.
• Mashed: Combine with potatoes for a creamy side dish.
• Stir-Fried: Add to stir-fries for a sweet and crisp bite.
• Soups: Cook into creamy and hearty soups.

Conclusion

Growing kohlrabi at home is an easy, rewarding, and cost-effective gardening endeavor. With minimal space and care, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of crisp and flavorful bulbs. Whether in your garden, raised beds, or containers, this fast-growing vegetable is a fantastic addition to any home garden. Start planting today and enjoy the fresh, homegrown taste of kohlrabi in your meals!