Garden Highlight: Kohlrabi
Delve into the distinctive world of Kohlrabi, a lesser-known but highly nutritious and versatile vegetable.
Kohlrabi Explored: A Unique Addition to Your Garden Kohlrabi, with its peculiar bulbous shape and crisp texture, is a member of the brassica family, related to cabbage and broccoli. Its name comes from the German words for cabbage (kohl) and turnip (rübe), reflecting its appearance and taste. Kohlrabi can be green or purple and is celebrated for its stem, which grows above ground and has a mild, sweet flavor with a texture similar to a broccoli stem or radish.
Growing Essentials: Cultivating Kohlrabi in Your Garden
Seed Starting: Sow seeds directly in the garden a little before the last frost of spring. Kohlrabi can also be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.
Planting in California: Ideal for spring and fall plantings. Kohlrabi prefers cooler weather and may become woody in hot conditions.
Care Requirements: Regular watering and fertile, well-drained soil are key. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.
USDA Zones Compatibility: Suitable for zones 2-11.
Maturity Timeline: Ready to harvest about 45-60 days after planting for most varieties.
Plant Type and Frost Tolerance: A biennial, usually grown as an annual. Tolerates light frosts.
Growth Pattern: Forms a bulb-like stem above ground with leaves sprouting from the top.
Kohlrabi Varieties: From Standard to Unique
Green Kohlrabi: Mild and sweet, great for eating raw or cooking.
Purple Kohlrabi: Slightly spicier than green varieties, with vibrant purple skin.
Giant Kohlrabi: Larger varieties that maintain tenderness even when big.
Kohlrabi’s Benefits: Nutritious and Versatile
Culinary Uses: Can be eaten raw in salads, stir-fried, roasted, or used in soups and stews.
Nutritional Value: High in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Ornamental Value: Its unique shape and leaves can add an interesting visual element to your garden.
Companion Planting: Kohlrabi’s Plant Friends
Beneficial Companions: Grows well with beets, onions, and herbs. It can benefit from being planted near aromatic plants that deter pests.
Avoid Planting With: Avoid planting near other brassicas like broccoli or Brussels sprouts to prevent competition and reduce disease risk.
Harvesting Kohlrabi: A Crunchy Delight
Harvesting Techniques: Harvest when the bulb is about 2-3 inches in diameter for the best texture and flavor.
Propagation: Typically grown from seeds. Leave a few plants to seed for collecting if desired.
Storage and Preservation: Store in the refrigerator. Leaves can be used like collard greens or kale.
Overcoming Gardening Challenges: Robust Kohlrabi Growth
Common Pests/Diseases: Watch for common cabbage family pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Practice crop rotation and organic pest control.
California-Specific Growing Tips: Provide some afternoon shade in hotter regions to prevent bolting.
Kohlrabi’s Intriguing Charm: From the Unusual to the Delicious Kohlrabi might not be as well-known as other vegetables, but its unique taste and texture make it a delightful discovery for gardeners and cooks. Whether adding crunch to your salads or serving as a nutritious side dish, Kohlrabi is a worthwhile addition to any garden.
