Two Ways To Regrow Kohlrabi
Regrowing kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) from scraps is easy and takes less time than starting from seeds. Many vegetables can be regrown from leaves, roots, and even the stems themselves provided you know a few gardening basics. Usually, I purchase them at the grocery store or local Farmers Market, bring them home, and then regrow the vegetables from scraps using a jar filled with water or a small pot with soil.
But can vegetables be regrown from the root directly in the soil in the garden? Kohlrabi certainly can be. If you are interested in detailed information on growing different varieties of kohlrabi from seed at home yourself, check out our previous post on How To Grow Kohlrabi At Home. Kohlrabi is a cultivar of wild cabbage, within the same species as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens. But, 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. For this reason, there are two ways to regrow kohlrabi depending on the origin of the “parent” plant:
- Regrow kohlrabi from the root for parent plants which are still planted in the ground and have been carefully harvested.
- Regrow kohlrabi from scraps from parent plants that have been fully harvested and are commercially available for purchase in “bunches.”
Regrowing Kohlrabi from the Root
Full sized kohlrabi can be tough and used only when cooked thoroughly, so it’s best to buy the bulbs when they are smaller than tennis ball size, while the flesh is still tender. Kohlrabi harvests usually happen in late July depending on weather conditions. I’ve been testing different methods of cutting and taking care of the root to see the best way to make it grow another bulb. I came to the conclusion that the two most important things are: how you cut the root and using plenty of water.
If you already grow your own kohlrabi and want a 2nd or even 3rd harvest by regrowing it from the root, the biggest mistake when harvesting the kohlrabi is to cut the bulb at soil level. This will damage the root, but cutting it just a bit higher will provide you with a new harvest. While harvesting, cut the kohlrabi just above the first bract. This is the place where the root will start growing new leaves. Once the leaves start showing, the plant will close the wound on the top, and start regrowing the bulb.
Be sure to give the kohlrabi enough water, or if weather conditions are hot and dry, cover it with mulch. The next time you harvest leave 2 bracts and repeat the process. Using this procedure and if weather conditions are favorable, you may be able to harvest the same plant 4 different times. Each around a month after the previous up until the weather turns cold frosty.
Regrowing Kohlrabi from Scraps
Retaining the tops (where the leaves and stems join onto the root) from Kohlrabi and other root crops will allow you to regrow them.
Place the tops in a container of water and new, green tops should begin to grow in a matter of days. You can simply harvest and use these greens as they grow, or you can allow the greens to fully grow and the roots to begin forming and continue growing until the bulbs are ready to be transplanted in soil. Once the plants are established and the weather conditions are proper, transplant back into the ground outdoors.
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.
Cooking with Kohlrabi
This crunchy veggie with its mild flavor makes it versatile in the kitchen. 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. 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.
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.
I highly recommend giving this ugly but nutritious plant a try. In addition to tasting fantastic, this veggie is also high in fiber and essential nutrients: vitamin C, B6, and all those nutrients from the soil.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi
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 ideas delivered right to your inbox.
Sources:
Regrowing kohlrabi from the root
https://lost-between-weeds.blogspot.com/2021/08/regrowing-kohlrabi-from-root.html
August 11, 2021
20 Vegetables You Can Re-Grow From Scraps
https://www.ruralsprout.com/regrow-vegetables/
By: Elizabeth Waddington, Published: November 14, 2019 – Last updated: September 23, 2021