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Kohlrabi, also known as knol khol, is a versatile vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. Its crisp stems and mild flavor make it a favorite for salads, soups, and side dishes. Kohlrabi comes in different varieties, including green kohlrabi, purple kohlrabi, and specialty types like purple vienna kohlrabi and azur star. This vegetable is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and is a great choice for healthy eating. Understanding how to grow, care for, and harvest kohlrabi ensures a productive garden and a steady supply of fresh, flavorful vegetables.
Kohlrabi Varieties
There are many kohlrabi varieties to explore. Popular options include the early white vienna kohlrabi, early purple vienna kohlrabi, kossak kohlrabi, and delicacy white kohlrabi. Giant kohlrabi and gigante kohlrabi are known for their large size, while specialty varieties like kohlrabi azur star and kohlrabi noriko offer unique flavors and colors. For gardeners looking for microgreens, kohlrabi microgreen is an excellent choice. Each variety has slightly different growth habits, taste profiles, and uses in the kitchen.
Planting Kohlrabi Seeds
Kohlrabi seeds are easy to start from home. You can find kohlrabi seeds for sale online or locally, and some gardeners search for purple kohlrabi seeds or giant kohlrabi seeds near them. Start seeds indoors in pots or seed trays about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Use well-draining soil and keep it consistently moist. Once seedlings are strong enough, transplant them into the garden or containers. Kohlrabi seeds germinate best in cool weather, making spring and early fall ideal planting times.
Soil and Location Requirements
Kohlrabi thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding compost or organic matter helps provide essential nutrients for growth. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Green kohlrabi and purple kohlrabi grow well in garden beds, raised beds, or containers. Ensure enough space between plants, usually 6-12 inches, to allow bulbs to develop fully.
Watering and Fertilizing Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi requires consistent watering to develop crisp stems. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as uneven moisture can lead to woody or tough stems. Fertilize with a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Varieties like kohlrabi ottolenghi and kohlrabi olivia f1 benefit from regular feeding for better growth and flavor.
Kohlrabi Growth Stages
Kohlrabi grows quickly from seed to harvest, usually within 55-75 days, depending on the variety. Seedlings start as small leafy plants, gradually forming a swollen stem or bulb above the ground. Early purple vienna kohlrabi and early white vienna kohlrabi develop compact bulbs, while giant kohlrabi can reach impressive sizes. Microgreens can be harvested in 2-3 weeks for a nutrient-packed addition to salads.
Harvesting Kohlrabi
Harvesting kohlrabi at the right time ensures tender stems and optimal flavor. Small to medium bulbs are best for eating raw, while larger bulbs are suitable for cooking. Pull up the entire plant or cut the bulb at the base. Varieties like purple kohlrabi, green kohlrabi, and kossak kohlrabi can all be harvested in a similar manner. Kohlrabi can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks, and some gardeners freeze kohlrabi for longer preservation.
Cooking with Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can be eaten raw, mashed, boiled, braised, or fried. Purple kohlrabi and green kohlrabi add color to salads when grated or spiralized. Recipes like kohlrabi soup, kohlrabi parmesan, or kohlrabi linguine highlight its mild flavor. Air fryer kohlrabi or instant pot kohlrabi recipes are popular for quick, healthy meals. Kohlrabi mashed or braised makes a great side dish, and kohlrabi sprouts add texture and nutrition to sandwiches and bowls.
Growing Kohlrabi in Containers
Kohlrabi grows well in containers, making it ideal for small gardens or patios. Choose deep pots with good drainage and fill them with fertile potting mix. Early white vienna and early purple vienna kohlrabi are particularly suited for container gardening. Water consistently and ensure the plants receive enough sunlight. Container-grown kohlrabi can be rotated indoors or outdoors depending on the weather.
Kohlrabi Microgreens and Sprouts
Kohlrabi microgreens are harvested at a young stage and provide a concentrated source of nutrients. They are quick to grow and can be harvested in 2-3 weeks. Kohlrabi sprouts can be grown on trays indoors, providing fresh greens year-round. Microgreens like kohlrabi azur star and kohlrabi microgreen are flavorful additions to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
Kohlrabi Health Benefits
Kohlrabi is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. It is low in calories and has a mild flavor suitable for various diets. Kohlrabi is considered good for diabetes, heart health, and digestion. Eating kohlrabi regularly supports overall wellness, and varieties like kohlrabi red, purple kohlrabi, and green kohlrabi provide antioxidants and vitamins essential for a healthy diet.
Popular Kohlrabi Recipes
Many chefs and home cooks enjoy experimenting with kohlrabi. Recipes like kohlrabi soup by Jamie Oliver, braised kohlrabi, and kohlrabi parmesan are widely loved. Fried kohlrabi or air fryer kohlrabi provides a quick and healthy snack. Kohlrabi can also be incorporated into salads, stir-fries, and roasted vegetable medleys. Spiralized kohlrabi and grated kohlrabi are popular for adding texture to dishes.
Kohlrabi Storage and Preservation
Kohlrabi can be stored fresh in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. For longer preservation, blanch and freeze kohlrabi. Freezing kohlrabi retains most of its nutrients and allows you to enjoy it out of season. Some gardeners prefer storing early white vienna kohlrabi and early purple vienna kohlrabi as frozen kohlrabi for future cooking. Giant kohlrabi and purple kohlrabi are also suitable for freezing after proper preparation.
Buying Kohlrabi and Seeds
Kohlrabi is available for sale in local markets, online stores, and seed suppliers. Kohlrabi seeds for sale, including purple kohlrabi seeds and giant kohlrabi seeds, make it easy to grow this vegetable at home. Popular sources include burpee kohlrabi, baker creek kohlrabi, and organic kohlrabi seeds. Some gardeners search for kohlrabi near me or kohlrabi online to find fresh vegetables or seeds for their garden.
Kohlrabi in Square Foot Gardens
Kohlrabi grows well in square foot gardens, allowing efficient use of space. Plant 1-2 seedlings per square foot for optimal growth. Varieties like kohlrabi korist f1, kohlrabi kossak f1, and kohlrabi quickstar are suitable for dense planting. Square foot gardening is ideal for small spaces, container gardens, and urban gardening setups.
Kohlrabi for Special Diets
Kohlrabi is suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. It is also a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option for weight management. Kohlrabi is good for diabetics and anyone seeking a healthy, versatile vegetable. Varieties like kohlrabi noriko, kohlrabi delicacy purple, and early white vienna provide variety and flavor for different dishes.
Common Kohlrabi Challenges
Kohlrabi is relatively easy to grow but can face challenges such as pests, disease, or uneven growth. Aphids, cabbage worms, and root maggots can affect plants. Proper soil preparation, regular watering, and crop rotation help prevent these issues. Early intervention ensures healthy growth and a productive harvest.
Conclusion
Kohlrabi is a rewarding vegetable to grow, offering a range of flavors, colors, and health benefits. From green kohlrabi and purple kohlrabi to specialty varieties like azur star and giant kohlrabi, there are options for every garden. With proper planting, watering, fertilizing, and harvesting, kohlrabi can thrive in beds, containers, or square foot gardens. Its versatility in cooking, health benefits, and ease of growth make it a favorite among home gardeners and professional chefs alike. Whether using kohlrabi in soups, salads, air fryer recipes, or preserving it for later, this vegetable adds nutrition, taste, and color to your meals.
