How To Grow Kohlrabi At Home
How to grow kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) at home is actually somewhat easy. Start your plants indoors about four to six weeks before you plan to put them outside. Regrowing kohlrabi from scraps is even easier and takes less time than starting from seeds. You can regrow most produce from scraps provided you know a few gardening basics. This short video from Urban Self Sufficiency will show you how to grow multiple types of stems from scraps.
What Is Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cultivar of wild cabbage, within the same species as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens. Its name doesn’t provide a descriptive picture of what this veggie looks like, and is also a bit misleading. For, unlike turnips, kohlrabi is not a root vegetable. Instead, the sort of turnip-shaped protuberance that forms the bulk of the vegetable below the leaves is meant to grow above ground.
Kohlrabi brings beautiful flavor in an easily harvested plant that is surprisingly resistant to insects. You can have kohlrabi in your own garden. The crisp, juicy texture is strikingly similar to that of broccoli stems, but the flavor is sweeter and milder, like cabbage. It can even be difficult to distinguish a newly planted kohlrabi from its broccoli and cabbage cousins. But this is where the similarity ends. The above ground root plant focuses all of its plant energy into one large bulbous mass.
How to Grow Kohlrabi
After four to six weeks, plant the baby plants outdoors in well drained, rich soil. Growing kohlrabi is most successful in cooler weather. The early crops started indoors and then transplanted outdoors will provide you with a nice crop.
When you think about how to plant kohlrabi, remember that there are many different varieties. Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family. There are white, reddish and purple varieties, some of which will mature early and others mature late. The Eder variety, for example, is a faster maturing variety that takes about 38 days to mature, while Gigante matures in about 80 days. Gigante is best for fall.
Kohlrabi Varieties
There are two basic variations of this plant. The purple varieties are beautiful in color, both in the edible fleshy stem and in the luxurious leaves. The white type is actually a light green, and is the type most seen in grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Favored cultivars of the plant include:
Purple Vienna
This selection has beautiful leaves and can be very decorative. It makes a bright addition to any yard or garden. It’s ready to harvest in 60 days.
Konan
An “All America Selections” winner in the edibles category in 2016, this hybrid cultivar produces 4 to 6 inch pale green bulbs with a sweet, tangy flavor. Ready to harvest in just 45 days, Konan is ideal for growing in containers, growing to a mature height of 12-18 inches.
Early White Vienna
Early White Vienna is an heirloom variety that dates back to the 19th century. The 2 inch bulbs have crisp, juicy flesh and are ready to harvest in 55 days. Best eaten when small, the pale flesh of this cultivar is tender and actually sweet.
How Does Kohlrabi Grow
When growing kohlrabi, most of the growth occurs in spring or in fall. The plant prefers cool weather, so if you can only grow one crop in a season, fall is preferred since that’s when your kohlrabi will taste best.
Kohlrabi isn’t a root plant; the bulb is the stem of the plant and it should sit just above soil level. This part of the root will swell and become a sweet, tender vegetable you can cook or eat raw.
How to Plant Kohlrabi
When thinking about how to plant kohlrabi, you have a choice to start it outside or inside. If you start it inside, wait until the baby plants are four to six weeks old before transplanting them into your prepared garden soil outside.
First, fertilize your soil and then plant the kohlrabi. You can have a continuous crop if you plant your kohlrabi every two to three weeks. Make sure to place the seeds ¼ to ½ inch (.6 to 1.27 cm.) deep into the soil and about 2 to 5 inches (5-13 cm.) apart if planting seeds directly outside. Also, when growing kohlrabi, water the soil frequently or you’ll end up with tough, woody stemmed plants.
Proper Planting Tips
Kohlrabi loves cool weather and moisture, so ensure that the soil is slightly damp when you are planting the seeds. I live in hot, arid California, so I like to plant around the end of January, with plenty of time to grow before the weather gets too hot. Most varieties take about 8 weeks from sowing to harvesting, so plant accordingly to your geographical location, working backwards to ascertain that hot weather won’t arrive before it’s time to pick.
You can plant one seed per hole about every three inches and still have a good harvest. Push them just barely below the soil surface with your index finger before smoothing over with topsoil. The directions on the seed packaging will provide additional insight on best practices.
When to Harvest Kohlrabi
There are differing views on the right time to pick. I have always been of the thought that “bigger is better” and like to see each plant give me as much food as possible. Once harvested, it’s unlikely that there’ll be any more yield from that same plant—especially if you’ve reached hot temperatures for the season.
There are some, however, who love the smaller, sweeter bulbs, and prefer to pick at 1-2 inches wide. These tiny treats are some of the most flavorful and sweet. If you prefer quality over quantity, then go on picking small.
Harvest kohlrabi when the first stem is 1 inch (2.5 cm.) in diameter. Kohlrabi can be continuously harvested, up until the stems are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm.) in diameter. After that, your plants will be too old and too tough. As long as you know when best to harvest kohlrabi, you’ll have plants with a milder, sweeter flavor.
Whichever you choose, note that the fibrous outside of the bulbs will need to be removed before eating because it’s way too tough to chew. You can cut the kohlrabi at the base, leaving the root in the ground, or pull the entire plant. If you want to continue to harvest leaves, then choose the cutting method.
Companion Planting
The nature of companion planting is that of symbiosis (any type of close and long term biological interaction between two organisms), from the Greek meaning “living together.” That is two or more different plants are situated in close proximity for one or both plant’s mutual benefit. The benefit might be adding nutrients to the soil, repelling pests, sheltering beneficial insects, or acting as a natural trellis for support.
The most well-known example of companion planting is that of the “Three Sisters.” The Three Sisters is a planting method used by Native Americans. It involves planting winter squash, corn, and beans together. The corn acts as a support for the vining squash, the squash’s large leaves shelter the roots of the other plants keeping them cool and moist, and the beans fix nitrogen into the soil.
Many vegetables, herbs and flowers benefit from companion planting, and kohlrabi is no exception. When choosing plant companions for kohlrabi, consider common growing conditions such as the amount of water (kohlrabi has shallow root systems and need frequent watering), also, think about similar nutrient requirements and sun exposure.
Kohlrabi Companion Plants
Kohlrabi is German for “cabbage turnip,” aptly named, as it is a member of the cabbage family and tastes much like a turnip. The least hardy of all the cabbage members, kohlrabi is a cool season vegetable that is relatively easy to grow in fertile, well-draining soil but, like all veggies, it has its share of pest issues. If you have an organic approach to your gardening, don’t use pesticides, try using kohlrabi companion plants instead.
What to Plant with Kohlrabi
So which plant companions can you use to engender healthier more abundant kohlrabi plants? These include:
| Bush beans | Celery | Lettuce |
| Beets | Cucumbers | Onions |
| Potatoes |
Just as some plants work well together, others do not. Aphids and flea beetles are pests that are attracted to kohlrabi as are cabbage worms and loopers. Hence, it is not a good idea to group members of the cabbage family together with kohlrabi, since it would just give more fodder to these pests. Also, keep the kohlrabi away from tomatoes, as it may stunt their growth.
Plant Spacing for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cool weather plant that grows well in the spring and even better in the fall. It will flower if temperatures fall below 7℃ (45℉), but will become woody and tough if they stay above 23℃ (75℉). Making the window for growing them in a many climates somewhat small, especially considering that kohlrabi takes about 60 days to mature.
In the spring, seeds should be sown 1 to 2 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds in a row at a depth of half an inch (1.25 cm.). A good seed spacing distance should be one every 2 inches (5 cm.). Kohlrabi row spacing should be about 1 foot (30 cm.) apart.
Once the seedlings have sprouted and have a couple of true leaves, thin them to 5 or 6 inches (12.5-15 cm.) apart. If you handle them gently, you can move your thinned seedlings to another spot and they will probably continue to grow.
If you want to get a head start on cool spring weather, plant your kohlrabi seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost. Transplant them outdoors about a week before the last frost. Plant spacing for kohlrabi transplants should be one every 5 or 6 inches (12.5-15 cm.). There’s no need to thin transplants.
The Second Year
This plant is a biennial, meaning it has only two years to live. Most people harvest all of it the first year and don’t leave much behind, so the plant usually never gets to that second year. If you’d like to use kohlrabi as a decorative plant or just harvest the leaves, consider putting it in a raised bed or container and leave the bulbous stem alone. Kohlrabi produces amazing flowers in its second year and is a popular choice for seed savers.
By bringing the plant inside to be stored at the end of the first growing season, it can be overwintered. The following spring, it can be replanted to realize its full two year potential—including flowers and seeds for future planting.
Multiple Plantings Are Best
Like many other members of the cabbage family, it’s a good idea to do many kohlrabi plantings in the same season. A couple of spring rows, spaced a week apart, can ensure yummy harvests with various bulb sizes. Take a break in hot summer weather; resume with fall plantings in September.
In colder zones, everything must be harvested before the first big cold snap. Kohlrabi stores well in a root cellar, much like turnips, beets, rutabagas, and parsnips. They can be kept for up to three months, if in good condition.
If you live in warmer regions, like where I live, you can get by with leaving them in the ground throughout the whole winter. Just cover with straw or mulch when morning temps begin approaching freezing, and continue to harvest throughout the season.
The Case for Kohlrabi
I highly recommend giving this ugly but nutritious plant a try. It may seem intimidating to deal with an above ground root at first, but the benefits are many. In addition to tasting fantastic, this veggie is also high in fiber and essential nutrients: vitamin C, B6, and all those metallic nutrients from the soil.
It can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked. The leaves of the plant are also edible and similar to kale in flavor and texture. The simplest way to enjoy kohlrabi is to strip away the tough outside layers of a fresh kohlrabi bulb. Then slice the inside flesh into circular “chips,” which you can serve and eat raw, with just a sprinkling of salt.
Cooking with Kohlrabi
This crunchy cabbage cousin is a nutritious addition to the garden, and its mild flavor makes it versatile in the kitchen as well. Try it in a stir fry of spiral cut kohlrabi noodles, kohlrabi fries with a tasty homemade cilantro yogurt dipping sauce, in this surprisingly creamy vegan kohlrabi soup, or as a fresh, crisp side dish in this center cut pork chops with a kohlrabi and apple slaw.
Don’t Toss Those Leaves
Kohlrabi leaves are delicious, just like any other leafy green. The small ones taste the best, and you can set aside a few plants just for salads and sautés. Note that the plants used for leaves will not produce bulbs as large as those left alone. Much like kale, kohlrabi leaves are best with the tough, stem material-or ribs-removed.
Don’t Throw It, Grow It! How To Regrow Kitchen Scraps
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi
This bulbous vegetable offers plenty of nutrients and potential health benefits. Raw kohlrabi makes for a special addition to crudités and can add crunch to a salad. Like most vegetables, it is nutrient dense, meaning it’s low in calories but high in nutrients. Due to its rich nutritional value, this veggie brings some strong potential health benefits with it.
Nutritional Value
One cup of raw slices contains 36 calories, 2.3 grams of protein, virtually no fat, and 8.4 grams of carbohydrates. In addition, it provides 4.9 grams of fiber, over 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, 11% of the daily value of phosphorus, and 10% of daily potassium. The leaves of the plant contain vitamin C, as well as vitamin K and fiber.
Remember that the daily value of certain nutrients is based on the suggested amount for healthy adults. If you are younger, older, or have certain health conditions, your needs may be different and it’s best to check with your physician for nutritional recommendations.
Reasons to Include in Your Diet
First, the high concentration of vitamin C packs antioxidant power. Antioxidants combat free radicals that cause damage to our cells. Antioxidants also help reduce inflammation in the body, preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Secondly, this vegetable can support the immune system. You may know already that vitamin C helps support our immune system, but fiber is also important. Kohlrabi and other veggies contain prebiotic fiber that helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome (aka the helpful bacteria in our gut), which can help fight infections. Thirdly, this veggie can promote collagen production in the body as is needed. Vitamin C plays a vital part in producing this connective tissue.
And finally, you may want to increase your kohlrabi intake if high blood pressure is a concern for you. The potassium in this tasty cruciferous vegetable can help lower blood pressure. Reducing the sodium in your diet can also lower blood pressure; replacing high processed foods with healthy vegetables is a great way to reduce your sodium intake.
Let me know if you grow your kohlrabi and how it turns out. It can be quite different growing it indoors versus outdoors. I find indoors is always much slower. If you like this stuff, sign up for the newsletter and you’ll get new homesteading ideas delivered right to your inbox.
Sources:
How to Grow Kohlrabi in Your Home Garden | Gardener’s Path
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/vegetables/grow-kohlrabi/
January 31, 2019 by Linsey Knerl
Learn How To Grow Kohlrabi In The Garden
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kohlrabi/how-to-grow-kohlrabi.htm
by Kathee Mierzejewski, Mar 17, 2021
Plant Spacing For Kohlrabi
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kohlrabi/plant-spacing-for-kohlrabi.htm
Kohlrabi Companion Plants – What To Plant With Kohlrabi
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kohlrabi/kohlrabi-companion-plants.htm
How To Grow Kohlrabi – Growing Kohlrabi In Your Garden
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kohlrabi/how-to-grow-kohlrabi.htm
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi
https://gardenerspath.com/plants/vegetables/health-benefits-kohlrabi/
September 30, 2020 by Tori Vallana, RD, LDN