How to Grow Kohlrabi in Louisiana

Kohlrabi, a unique member of the cabbage family, is gaining popularity among gardeners for its crisp texture and sweet flavor. Particularly well-suited for cooler climates, kohlrabi can still thrive in the warmer temperatures found in Louisiana with the right techniques. This article will guide you through the process of growing kohlrabi in Louisiana, from selecting the right variety to ensuring a successful harvest.

Understanding Kohlrabi

Before delving into the growing process, it’s important to understand what kohlrabi is. Often referred to as “turnip cabbage,” kohlrabi is a biennial vegetable that can be grown as an annual. It produces a round, bulbous stem above ground, which is the edible part of the plant. The leaves are also edible and can be used in salads or cooked dishes.

Kohlrabi comes in two main varieties: green and purple. Both types have a mild flavor that becomes sweeter as the bulb matures. When grown properly, kohlrabi can be harvested when it reaches 3 to 4 inches in diameter, usually within 60-90 days after planting.

Best Time to Plant Kohlrabi in Louisiana

In Louisiana’s climate, timing your planting is crucial. Kohlrabi prefers cooler weather, making it ideal for spring and fall gardening.

Spring Planting

• Start Seeds Indoors: Begin sowing seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date, typically around mid-February to early March.
• Transplant Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are about 4 inches tall and after the last frost has passed, usually by late March to early April.

Fall Planting

• Direct Sowing: For a fall crop, plant seeds directly into the garden from late July to early August. This allows enough time for the plants to mature before cooler winter temperatures set in.

Choosing the Right Varieties

Selecting the appropriate variety of kohlrabi will ensure better growth and yield. Some popular varieties include:

• White Vienna: A classic variety known for its smooth texture and sweet flavor.
• Purple Vienna: Similar to White Vienna but with a striking purple skin.
• Kolibri: A hybrid variety that matures quickly and has a tender bulb.

Choose varieties that are well-adapted to local conditions or those recommended by your local agricultural extension office.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Kohlrabi thrives best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Here’s how you can prepare your garden bed:

Soil Preparation

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a spot with full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day) and good air circulation.
2. Test Your Soil: Conduct a soil test to check pH levels and nutrient content. This will help determine if you need to amend your soil.
3. Amend Your Soil: Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
4. Tilling: Till your garden bed to a depth of at least 12 inches to loosen the soil and incorporate organic matter evenly.

Planting Kohlrabi

Once your garden bed is prepared, it’s time to plant your kohlrabi seeds or seedlings.

Seed Planting

1. Sow Seeds: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 24-30 inches apart.
2. Watering: Water gently after planting to settle the soil around the seeds.
3. Thinning: Once seedlings have emerged and are about 2 inches tall, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain spaced appropriately.

Transplanting Seedlings

If you’ve started your seeds indoors:

1. Harden Off: Gradually acclimatize your seedlings to outdoor conditions over 5-7 days before transplanting them.
2. Transplant: Plant seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their pots, spacing them similarly as you would for direct-seeded plants.

Care and Maintenance

Once planted, kohlrabi requires care throughout its growing season to ensure healthy growth.

Watering

Kohlrabi needs consistent moisture for optimal growth; however, avoid waterlogging the soil. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not saturated.

Fertilization

Fertilize your kohlrabi every four weeks using a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) or an organic option like compost tea or fish emulsion. Follow package instructions for application rates.

Weed Control

Weeds can compete with kohlrabi for nutrients and water; thus, regular weeding is crucial. Use mulch around plants to suppress weed growth while retaining moisture in the soil.

Pest and Disease Management

Kohlrabi can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Implement pest management strategies like:

• Handpicking: Regularly scout your plants for pests and remove them manually.
• Row Covers: Use floating row covers at planting time to protect seedlings from pests.
• Companion Planting: Plant herbs like dill or cilantro near your kohlrabi to deter pests naturally.

Common diseases include downy mildew and clubroot; maintaining good air circulation and crop rotation practices will help prevent these issues.

Harvesting Kohlrabi

Timing is key when harvesting kohlrabi. When bulbs reach about 3-4 inches in diameter and before they become too fibrous (usually within 60-90 days of planting), it’s time to harvest.

1. Cutting Bulbs: Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut bulbs from the base of the plant.
2. Leaf Harvesting: Leaves are also edible; you can harvest them as needed without damaging the bulb.
3. Storing: Store harvested kohlrabi in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer where it can last up to two weeks.

Conclusion

Growing kohlrabi in Louisiana can be a rewarding experience with proper planning and care. By choosing suitable varieties, preparing your garden bed effectively, providing adequate care throughout its growing season, and harvesting at the right time, you can enjoy this versatile vegetable in various dishes throughout your culinary ventures. Whether you’re adding it raw into salads or cooking it into soups and stir-fries, fresh homegrown kohlrabi will elevate any meal! Happy gardening!