How To Grow Kohlrabi From Seeds In Your Kitchen Garden
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Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family and is prized for its crisp texture and mild, sweet flavour. It’s rich in vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

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Growing kohlrabi in your kitchen garden is a rewarding experience because it's relatively easy to cultivate and doesn’t require much space. In this article, let’s go through simple tips on how to grow kohlrabi seeds in your own garden so that you can enjoy fresh produce right from your backyard.

Tips To Grow Kohlrabi Seeds In Your Kitchen Garden

Choose The Right Time For Planting

Kohlrabi thrives in cooler weather, so it’s best to plant the seeds in early spring or fall. If you live in a region with mild winters, you can even grow kohlrabi during the winter months. The ideal temperature for growing kohlrabi is between 15°C and 24°C. Plan to sow the seeds directly in the garden around 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost for a spring crop, or 8-10 weeks before the first frost for a fall harvest.

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Prepare The Soil

Kohlrabi prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting the seeds, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in compost or well-rotted manure. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. Ensure the soil is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Good soil preparation ensures your kohlrabi plants have the best start.

Sow The Seeds Properly

Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to sow the kohlrabi seeds. Space the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows. The rows should be spaced about 12–18 inches apart to give the plants enough room to grow. Kohlrabi seeds typically germinate in about 7-10 days. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during the germination period to help the seeds sprout.

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Watering Needs

Kohlrabi plants need consistent moisture to grow well. Water the plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems.

Thin The Seedlings

Once the seedlings have grown to about 2–3 inches tall, it’s important to thin them out. This means removing some of the smaller or weaker seedlings to ensure the remaining plants have enough space to grow. You should aim for about 8–12 inches of space between each plant after thinning. Thinning allows the plants to develop healthy stems and bulbs, which are the edible parts of the kohlrabi.

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Fertilise

Kohlrabi is a light feeder, meaning it doesn’t require heavy fertilisation. However, applying a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during planting and once the seedlings are established can promote healthy growth. Avoid overfertilising, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the edible bulb. Organic options like compost or seaweed extract are good choices for feeding your plants.

Harvesting Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulb reaches about 2-3 inches in diameter. At this stage, the bulb is tender and has a sweet flavour. Harvesting the bulbs when they are smaller prevents them from becoming tough or woody. To harvest, simply cut the bulb from the base of the stem using a sharp knife. The leaves of the plant are also edible and can be used in salads or stir-fries.