Have you ever tried kohlrabi? It’s kind of funky. I planted our kohlrabi seeds a few days ago and even though it’s one of the vegetables your only likely to find at a farmers market, you should give it a try. Especially if you have kids.
Brief description: Kohlrabi is part of the cabbage family. It is very hardy and has a very mild sweet flavor and is great in anything you would put cabbage in.
Where to Plant Kohlrabi: Plant in full sun. It is a cooler weather plant, and thrives in 40-65 degree weather. It is best in raised beds and garden beds. Because of its root system, it does not do well in containers.
Planting Seeds: Plant seeds 1/4-1/2″ deep. Thin seedlings to one per pot or 1 every 4″ when they reach 4″ tall.
Growing Tips: Kohlrabi does best with consistent even watering. Mix compost in when you transplant outside and add another bit of compost around the plant mid-season.
How to Harvest: Harvest when bulb reaches 2-3″ in diameter–any bigger and flavor is negatively affected.
What part do you eat? The most common part of Kohlrabi is the bulb. It can be sliced and diced like cabbage for coleslaw, stir-fries, salads, etc. You can also eat the stems–chop them up into 1″ segments and steam, boil, saute them. A lot of people think the stems taste like broccoli. The leaves can also be eaten. They can be sauteed like spinach.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
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Tina says
Kohlrabi will always have a special place in my heart. Last year when we were planting the garden my husband said “we have room for two more rows, go pick out some seeds.” I picked Kohlrabi and Kale. I had no idea what either were. That was part of my mission, pick something I had never heard of before. My HH was delighted that I had picked Kohlrabi…his grandmother and father had always planted it. He had not had any since he was a kid!!
Mavis says
Awwww…That is awesome! 🙂
Cecily says
Don’t plant kohlrabi next to beans. The beans won’t grow well if at all. I learned this the hard way. I planted a pack of soy beans in the same bed as a row of kohlrabi and not one bean germinated. Tomatoes and strawberries don’t like kohlrabi either.
Tina says
Thanks!!
Stephanie says
I’ve never planted Kolhrabi due to space restrictions (container garden) but was introduced to it by a German friend of mine. Her favorite method of preparation: slice the root 1/4″ thick, steam, and then toss with a bechamel sauce. Delicious! And great way to introduce this unusual looking veg to picky eaters
Mary says
I love kohlrabi too. It was one of my father’s favorites too. We always eat it raw in salads or on a veggie tray. I have found that it grows best for me when I plant it in seed trays outside and then transplant into the garden when a couple inches high. It doesn’t germinate very well and I save seed this way. It likes fertile soil and does best when I plant it so it gets a little shade from the afternoon sun. Don’t let it get too large or it will get woody. You can also plant again in July for a fall crop which it prefers maturing in cooler weather.