How To Grow Kohlrabi For Maximum Yield

Growing Kohlrabi for Maximum Yield

Choosing the Right Variety

One of my favorite varieties is the Early White Vienna. It matures quickly and has a sweet, mild flavor. Another excellent choice is Purple Vienna, which is not only tasty but also adds a splash of color to your garden.

Choosing a variety that suits your climate and soil type can make all the difference.

Soil Preparation

Kohlrabi loves well-drained, fertile soil. I always add a generous amount of compost to enrich the soil. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Make sure to till the soil to about 12 inches deep to allow the roots to spread easily.

Planting Kohlrabi

Plant kohlrabi seeds directly into the garden, around 1/4 inch deep. Space the seeds about 4 inches apart to give them room to grow.

One trick I’ve found useful is to start seeds indoors and transplant them when they're about 4 weeks old. This gives them a head start, especially in cooler climates.

Optimal Planting Time

For the best yields, plant kohlrabi in early spring or late summer. This vegetable prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost.

Watering and Feeding

Kohlrabi needs consistent moisture. I water mine deeply once a week, making sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

A balanced fertilizer, high in nitrogen, can do wonders. Apply it every 4-6 weeks for robust growth.

Thinning and Weeding

Thin seedlings to about 8 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. This prevents overcrowding and ensures each plant has enough space.

Weed your kohlrabi garden regularly. Weeds compete for nutrients, and trust me, they can quickly overrun your garden if left unchecked.

Pest and Disease Management

Watch out for pests like aphids and cabbage worms. I use neem oil as a natural insecticide, which works wonders without harming beneficial insects.

Rotate your crops yearly to minimize disease. Kohlrabi is prone to clubroot, so avoid planting it in the same spot more than once every three years.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter. This is when they're most tender and flavorful. Larger bulbs can become woody and tough.

Use a sharp knife to cut the bulb off just above the soil level. Leave the remaining leaves in the garden to decompose and enrich the soil.

Storing Kohlrabi

• Store kohlrabi bulbs in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• For longer storage, blanch and freeze them. They hold up well and retain much of their flavor and nutrients.

Pro Tips for Maximum Yield

Interplanting kohlrabi with other crops like lettuce or spinach can make the most of limited space without sacrificing yield.

Pruning excess leaves can promote bulb development. Just don't overdo it, or you might stress the plant.

Keep an eye on the weather. Kohlrabi can bolt in extreme heat, resulting in a lower yield.

On a good year, I’ve harvested up to 8 pounds of kohlrabi from just a small 4x4 plot. The key is consistency and care.

So there you have it, my playbook for growing kohlrabi for maximum yield. Happy gardening!

Kohlrabi is an edible root vegetable that can be cooked and eaten like a potato, but with a fraction of the calories. It is packed full of bright colors, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin C and calcium. Kohlrabi is also extremely versatile and can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, stir-fried or roasted. For those seeking to improve their health and eat deliciously, growing and using Kohlrabi is an excellent choice.