You must plant the seeds early in order to grow kohlrabi. After you have planted the seeds, fertilize them and protect them against pests and diseases. The plants will take between 45 and 60 days to mature. When they’re about the size of a cricket ball, you can harvest them.
Planting kohlrabi seeds early
Planting kohlrabi seeds early is crucial if you want to get the best results. Depending on your climate, you can direct-sow this root vegetable in late spring or early fall. In Zones 3 through 5, kohlrabi seeds should be planted at least two weeks before the average last frost date. Because Zone 3 has hot summers, you should choose varieties that mature within 40 to 45 days.
Preparing the soil is essential in order to plant kohlrabi seeds quickly. The soil should be amended with well-rotted compost and manure. The soil should be kept at a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Also, kohlrabi prefers well-drained soil and at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Fertilizing kohlrabi plants
Fertilizing kohlrabi plants is an important part of growing these root vegetables. Two to four weeks before the plants emerge, you should apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer. This will promote rapid plant growth. Water your plants well to maintain the moisture in the soil. Kohlrabi plants grow best when they receive at least one to 1.5 inches of water per week. You can also mulch the soil around your plants to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
Kohlrabi grows better in colder weather so it is best to plant them in autumn. The bulb of the plant should be just above the surface of the soil. Once the bulb is established, it will become a sweet, edible root. It can be eaten raw or cooked.
Protecting kohlrabi plants from diseases
If you are growing kohlrabi as a vegetable, you should be aware of common diseases and pests that can attack them. These diseases can kill kohlrabi plants or stunt their growth. However, these diseases are preventable and can be controlled by following some simple steps.
Test the soil first. Ideally, the soil pH level should be between 6.0 and 6.8. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can add a nitrogen-rich amendment. To improve the soil’s pH, you can apply an organic fertilizer like Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose in-Ground Soil.
Harvesting kohlrabi bulbs at just the size of a cricket ball
Kohlrabi can be grown easily to ensure a steady supply of this delicious vegetable. While kohlrabi requires a minimal amount of space and tends to grow quickly, it needs a healthy soil to thrive. If not, it can bolt, producing tough, bitter bulbs. As with many vegetables, kohlrabi is a common target for pests like cabbage moths. To prevent such problems, you can use floating row covers and a 4-year rotation to grow your crop.
Kohlrabi is one the easiest vegetables to grow. It produces quickly and thrives in dry weather. Its nutty, slightly woody flavor is reminiscent of celery and turnip. To get the most flavor from the kohlrabi, harvest it when its bulb is as small as a cricket ball. Larger bulbs are tough and woody.
Purple kohlrabi varieties are insect-resistant
The purple kohlrabi varieties are particularly resistant to insects. The leaves of these varieties are purple, which discourages insects from eating them. These varieties have similar flavor to the regular variety but are more insect-resistant. They can also be stored well so they can still be harvested at any time.
You can grow kohlrabi in spring and fall. You can grow as many as you want for your family. Seedlings need to be spaced about one-half inch apart and should be planted about four to six weeks before the last spring frost. Once they are about two to three inches tall, thin them out to about four inches apart.
Watering kohlrabi plants daily
Watering kohlrabi plants is a critical step in ensuring successful harvests. To keep your plants healthy and thriving after they are established, water them at least once per week. They can tolerate low watering but they will need extra watering in dry weather. You can water them once or twice daily depending on the soil.
To keep the soil moist, water the kohlrabi plant every day. This will prevent the roots drying out. Weed the plant occasionally to keep weeds from growing too thick. To get the best taste and texture, it is important to harvest the plants as soon as they are young. The stems are two to four inches long and tender. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
Harvesting kohlrabi leaves that are about the same size as a cricket ball is a good idea.
Harvesting kohlrabi leaves at just the right size is very important, because too large and they will not taste good. Kohlrabi leaves should be harvested at a diameter of two to three inches. If you wait too long, they will wither and die.
Harvesting kohlrabi leaves at just the right time can help them grow into a healthy vegetable. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are delicious, and you can cut them into pieces just like spinach.
Hi there! I’m Hans, and I’m the author of GardenerAZ. We’re here to help gardeners of all levels grow and thrive. Our content comprises expert advice, inspiring stories, and valuable tips to help you get the most out of your garden. Plus, our community is full of passionate gardeners who are always happy to share their knowledge and advice. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, GardenerAZ has everything you need to make your gardening dreams come true.
I’ve been gardening for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. When I’m not writing or gardening, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. They keep me busy (in a good way), but I always find time for my favorite hobby: gardening!
