Are you looking for a unique and delicious addition to your vegetable garden? Look no further than kohlrabi! This unusual-looking vegetable may not be as well-known as its cabbage and broccoli relatives, but it packs a flavorful punch and is easy to grow in the right conditions. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of kohlrabi farming – from planting to harvesting – so that you can enjoy this tasty treat straight from your own backyard. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!
What is Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, also known as German turnip or cabbage turnip, is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is scientifically known as Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes. It is believed to have originated in northern Europe during the 16th century and has since become a popular vegetable around the world.
The top producing countries for kohlrabi include Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Poland. However, it can be grown in many regions with suitable growing conditions.
Kohlrabi has a unique appearance with a bulbous shape that sits on top of long stems covered in leaves. The bulb itself can range from light green to purple depending on the variety and maturity level. The inside flesh is crisp and white with a mild flavor that tastes similar to broccoli stems or cabbage hearts.
Kohlrabi may not be the most common vegetable found at your local grocery store but its distinctive taste and appearance make it an exciting addition to any home garden or kitchen table!
Soil and Climate Requirements
Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop that requires specific soil and climate conditions for optimal growth. This vegetable thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Kohlrabi grows best in rich loamy soils that are high in organic matter and have good drainage.
It’s essential to prepare the soil before planting kohlrabi by tilling it thoroughly and incorporating compost or aged manure into the soil. Doing so will provide the necessary nutrients required for healthy plant growth.
In terms of climate requirements, kohlrabi prefers temperatures between 45°F to 60°F (7°C -15°C). However, this vegetable can tolerate partial shade when planted during summer months when the temperature soars.
Kohlrabi does not like hot weather as it causes bolting, which is where the plant prematurely produces flowers instead of forming its fleshy stem bulb. Hence, growing them during the spring or fall season would be ideal.
Moreover, consistent moisture is crucial for proper kohlrabi development; thus irrigating regularly is vital, especially during drought periods since water stress could lead to stunted growth and bitter-tasting bulbs.
Maintaining proper soil quality alongside favorable climatic conditions are key factors needed to grow healthy-looking kohlrabis successfully!
Kohlrabi Farming: Steps in Planting and Growing Kohlrabi
Planting and growing kohlrabi can be a rewarding experience for both beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. Here are 10 essential steps to ensure a successful harvest:
- Choose a well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure.
- Kohlrabi prefers cool weather, so plant seeds in early spring or fall.
- Plant seeds at least 18 inches apart and one-fourth inch deep in rows that are about two feet apart.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply fertilizer once a month throughout the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
- As the plants grow, thin them out by removing any weak seedlings until only one plant remains every six inches or so.
- Mulch around each plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Watch for pests like aphids and cabbage worms, which can damage your kohlrabi crop if left unchecked.
- Harvest when the bulbs reach about three inches in diameter – this usually takes around eight weeks from planting time depending on the variety chosen!
- Store harvested kohlrabi properly by trimming off leaves close to the bulb base and refrigerating for up to two weeks.
Follow these simple guidelines for planting and growing kohlrabi successfully!
Can Kohlrabi Grow in the Philippines?
Kohlrabi, a member of the Brassica family, can be grown in different parts of the world with varying degrees of success. However, for those who are interested in growing this vegetable in the Philippines, there are certain considerations to take into account.
One important factor is the climate and soil conditions. Kohlrabi typically prefers cool temperatures and well-draining soils. While it may be challenging to replicate these conditions in a tropical country like the Philippines, it is still possible to grow kohlrabi by selecting cooler areas or planting during cooler months.
Another consideration is pest management. Kohlrabi plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases that thrive in warm and humid climates such as those found in many parts of the Philippines. It’s, therefore, crucial to have a solid pest control strategy when growing kohlrabi.
Choosing the right variety can also make all the difference when attempting kohlrabi farming in the Philippines. Some varieties are better suited for warmer climates than others so it’s worth doing some research before getting started.
With careful planning and attention to detail, growing kohlrabi can certainly be done successfully even in places where it might seem unlikely at first glance – like here on Philippine soil!
Will Kohlrabi Grow Back After Harvesting?
After harvesting, many farmers wonder if Kohlrabi will grow back. The answer is no, it won’t. However, the good news is that Kohlrabi is a fast-growing crop and can be harvested within 45-60 days after planting.
It’s important to note that Kohlrabi should not be left in the ground for too long after maturity as its quality deteriorates rapidly. Therefore, once you harvest your kohlrabi plant or crop, you need to replant new seeds for another cycle of growth.
Replanting ensures a continuous supply of fresh and healthy produce throughout the year. This way you can maximize returns on your investment while keeping up with market demand.
Kohlrabi farming requires proper knowledge about soil and climate requirements as well as the best practices in planting and growing this crop for optimal yield. By understanding these aspects of cultivation alongside other necessary measures like fertilization and irrigation techniques; farmers are sure to get impressive results from their kohlrabi crops!
Can Kohlrabi Grow from Cuttings?
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that can be grown in many ways. One question people often ask is whether Kohlrabi can grow from cuttings. The answer is yes but with some caveats.
First, it’s important to understand what we mean by “cuttings”. Unlike other plants like tomatoes or peppers which are propagated through stem cuttings, Kohlrabi grows from seeds. However, if you have an existing Kohlrabi plant and want to propagate more of them, you can take leaf cuttings or root cuttings.
Leaf cuttings involve taking a healthy leaf from the parent plant and placing it in moist soil until roots form. Root cuttings involve taking a section of the parent plant’s root system and planting it directly into the soil.
While both methods are possible for propagating Kohlrabi, they require precise timing and attention to detail. Additionally, not all leaves or roots will successfully grow into new plants.
While it is possible to grow Kohlrabi from cuttings, it may not be the most efficient method for propagation compared to simply growing them from seed.
Conclusion
Kohlrabi farming can be a profitable venture if done with proper care and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully plant and grow kohlrabi in your own backyard or farm.
Remember to pay close attention to soil quality, climate requirements, and planting distance. Provide adequate water and fertilizer throughout the growing season, and harvest at the appropriate time for the best taste and texture.
While kohlrabi is not native to many countries including the Philippines but it does have the potential for growth in other regions of Asia as well as Europe. With its unique flavor profile and versatility in cooking applications, there is no doubt that kohlrabi will continue to be a popular choice among farmers worldwide.
See Also:
- 10 Health Benefits of Lubi Lubi
- 10 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
- Puso ng Saging: 10 Health Benefits of Banana Flower
- Brussels Sprouts Farming: How to Plant and Grow
- 10 Health Benefits of Broccoli