Kohlrabi, a unique and versatile vegetable, has been gaining popularity among home gardeners and chefs alike. Known for its crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor, this member of the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and kale, is a cool-season crop that thrives in the climatic conditions of Illinois. If you’re interested in adding this nutritious vegetable to your garden, follow this comprehensive guide on how to grow kohlrabi in Illinois.
Before diving into the growing process, it’s essential to understand what kohlrabi is. This vegetable has a swollen stem that grows above the ground, resembling a turnip or a bulbous root vegetable. It comes in two varieties: green and purple, both offering similar flavors and nutritional benefits. Kohlrabi is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Selecting the right variety of kohlrabi is crucial for success in your Illinois garden. The common varieties include:
Consider your cooking preferences and aesthetic desires when choosing your variety.
Kohlrabi thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. To prepare your soil:
Kohlrabi prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
As a cool-season crop, kohlrabi thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. In Illinois, you can plant kohlrabi in early spring for a summer harvest or late summer for a fall harvest.
Timing is crucial when planting kohlrabi in Illinois:
You can start kohlrabi seeds indoors or directly sow them in the garden:
Once seedlings have grown to about 2 inches tall, thin them out to avoid overcrowding. Leave only the strongest plants spaced 6-8 inches apart to allow sufficient room for growth.
Kohlrabi requires consistent moisture for optimal growth. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering; ensure that water reaches at least 6 inches into the soil.
For rich growth, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time according to package instructions. You may also consider side-dressing with additional compost or organic fertilizer halfway through the growing season.
Keep your kohlrabi bed free from weeds that compete for nutrients and water. Hand-pulling weeds is effective; alternatively, use mulch around the plants to suppress weed growth while conserving moisture.
Kohlrabi may face threats from pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Employ these strategies for effective management:
Common diseases include downy mildew and clubroot; however, maintaining good air circulation through proper spacing can help prevent issues.
The ideal time to harvest kohlrabi is when bulbs reach about 3–4 inches in diameter—typically around 50–70 days after sowing seeds depending on the variety. For best flavor and tenderness, harvest kohlrabi when they are young; if left too long, they may become woody.
To harvest:
Freshly harvested kohlrabi can be stored for several weeks under ideal conditions:
Kohlrabi can also be blanched and frozen if you wish to store it long-term; however, fresh consumption offers superior flavor and nutritional value.
Growing kohlrabi in Illinois can be an enjoyable experience that yields delicious results whether you’re looking to enhance your culinary repertoire or simply want fresh vegetables from your backyard garden. By following this guide on planting techniques, care requirements, pest management, harvesting tips, and storage methods, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying this unique vegetable throughout its growing season—whether fresh in salads or cooked into hearty dishes! Embrace this opportunity to diversify your home garden with kohlrabi and relish the rewards it brings!