Kohlrabi

Ever seen a vegetable that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie? That's kohlrabi for you! This odd-looking but delicious veggie is a member of the cabbage family, and it's surprisingly easy to grow. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, kohlrabi is a great addition to your plot. So, let's dig in and explore the world of this unique plant!

TL;DR: Kohlrabi Growing Guide

Kohlrabi is a fast-growing, space-saving veggie that’s perfect for small gardens. Sow seeds indoors in spring or directly outdoors from late spring to mid-summer. Harvest when the stem reaches tennis ball size. Enjoy its crisp, turnip-like flavour raw or cooked. The leaves are also tasty in salads! It's a great source of Vitamin C, potassium and fibre too.

What is Kohlrabi Anyway?

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room – or rather, the alien in the garden. The kohlrabi plant isn’t your average root vegetable. It’s actually grown for its swollen stem, which sits right above the soil. This stem has a mild, slightly sweet, and turnip-like flavour with a satisfying crunch. It’s a real treat, and the whole kohlrabi plant is edible, including the leaves! If you are looking for a new and exciting vegetable to grow, this could be the one for you!

Getting Started with Growing Kohlrabi

Ready to dive in? Here's your kohlrabi growing guide:

• Sowing: Start your kohlrabi journey by sowing seeds indoors in March and April or directly in the ground from April to mid-summer. Use modular trays or small pots with seed compost for indoor starts. Outdoors, create shallow drills in the soil. Don’t forget to thin out the seedlings to the recommended spacing on your seed packet.
• Planting: Transplant your kohlrabi seedlings outdoors in late May or June, when they're about 10cm tall. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. If you're working with heavy clay soil, mix in some well-rotted organic matter to help with drainage. Aim for 15-20cm spacing between each plant.
• Kohlrabi Care: Kohlrabi is pretty low-maintenance once it gets going. Water well during dry spells to keep the stems nice and juicy. A high potash feed can also boost growth. Protect young plants from flea beetles with fleece or insect mesh.

Harvesting Your Kohlrabi

The moment of truth – harvest time! Kohlrabi is ready to pick when the swollen stem is about the size of a tennis ball. Don't wait too long, though. It can become woody if you leave it for too long! Use a sharp knife to cut the stem at the base. The young leaves are also good for eating and can be harvested any time.

Kohlrabi Varieties to Try

Looking for a specific kind? Here are some popular kohlrabi varieties:

• 'Azur Star': Known for its vibrant purple stem and mild flavour.
• 'Kolibri': A fast-growing variety with pale green stems.
• 'Vienna White': An early variety with pale green stems, perfect for smaller gardens.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

Even the easiest plants can have problems. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Flea Beetles: These can be a pain for young plants. Use fleece or insect mesh to protect them.
• Cabbage White Butterflies: They can lay eggs on the leaves. Handpick any eggs or caterpillars that you find.
• Wood Pigeons: These hungry birds might eat the leaves. Protect them with netting.

Kohlrabi Nutrition and Recipes

Not only is kohlrabi easy to grow, it’s also incredibly good for you. It’s packed with Vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. This makes it a great addition to your diet. You can eat kohlrabi raw in salads or coleslaw, or cook it up in stir-fries, soups, or even roast it. Get creative and enjoy this surprisingly versatile vegetable!

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about growing kohlrabi. It’s easy, fast, and fun. So, grab some kohlrabi seeds and get growing!