Kohlrabi, a member of the Brassica family, is an often-overlooked vegetable that offers a unique taste and texture. With its crisp flesh and mild flavor, kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. If you’re looking to add this nutritious vegetable to your garden in Maryland, you’re in luck! This guide will walk you through the essentials of growing kohlrabi, from selecting the right variety to harvesting and storing your crop.
Understanding Kohlrabi
Before diving into the growing process, it’s essential to understand what kohlrabi is. This vegetable is characterized by its bulbous stem that grows above the ground, making it distinct from other root vegetables. Kohlrabi comes in two main varieties: green (or white) and purple. Both varieties offer similar flavors but can have different aesthetics in your garden and on your plate.
Nutritional Benefits
Kohlrabi is not just a delicious choice; it’s also packed with nutrients. A 100-gram serving provides:
- Low calories (approximately 27)
- High fiber content
- Vitamins C and K
- Antioxidants
These benefits make kohlrabi an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Choosing the Right Time to Plant
In Maryland, the best time to plant kohlrabi depends on whether you’re opting for a spring or fall crop:
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Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date (typically between mid-March and early April). Transplant seedlings outdoors around the time of the last frost.
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Fall Planting: Seeds can be sown directly in the ground 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost (generally late July to early August), allowing for a harvest before winter sets in.
Selecting Varieties
When choosing which kohlrabi variety to grow, consider both climate and personal preference. Some popular varieties well-suited for Maryland’s climate include:
Green Kohlrabi Varieties
- Early White Vienna: A fast-growing variety producing round bulbs with tender flesh.
- Kolibri: Known for its sweet flavor and small size, ideal for smaller gardens.
Purple Kohlrabi Varieties
- Purple Delicacy: Offers a stunning color while maintaining a crunchy texture.
- Gigante: A larger variety known for its exceptional taste when harvested young.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Kohlrabi thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Here are steps to prepare your garden bed:
Soil Testing
Conduct a soil test through your local extension office to determine pH levels and nutrient content. Kohlrabi prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 – 7.0). Amend your soil based on test results.
Soil Amendments
Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure into your garden bed at least two weeks before planting. This improves soil structure and fertility.
Tilling
Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller. This encourages root growth and prevents compaction.
Planting Kohlrabi Seeds
Once your garden bed is ready, it’s time to plant!
Direct Seeding
For those opting for direct seeding, follow these steps:
- Spacing: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep, with 3-4 inches between each seedling in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering: Gently water the area after planting to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Transplanting Seedlings
If you started seeds indoors:
- Harden Off: Before transplanting, harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
- Transplanting: Space seedlings 3-4 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
Caring for Your Kohlrabi Plants
Caring for kohlrabi involves regular maintenance and monitoring:
Watering Needs
Kohlrabi requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the top inch of soil remains moist but not soggy.
Mulching
Applying mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool during hot Maryland summers.
Fertilization
Kohlrabi benefits from nitrogen-rich fertilizers as they develop rapidly. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time and apply again when plants are about halfway to maturity (around 6 weeks after planting).
Pest & Disease Management
While kohlrabi is generally resilient, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases common in Maryland gardens:
Common Pests
- Cabbage Worms: These pests can be managed by hand-picking or using floating row covers early in the season.
- Aphids: A strong blast of water can knock aphids off plants; insecticidal soap is also effective if infestations occur.
Diseases
Watch for signs of diseases such as downy mildew or black rot. Practice crop rotation each year and remove any diseased plant debris after harvest to prevent recurrence.
Harvesting Kohlrabi
Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting kohlrabi:
The Right Time to Harvest
Kohlrabi is usually ready for harvest about 50-70 days after planting when bulbs are about 2-3 inches in diameter. If left too long, they may become woody and tough.
How to Harvest
To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the bulb just above the soil line. Be careful not to damage adjacent plants if you’re harvesting multiple bulbs.
Storing Your Harvest
Correct storage can prolong the freshness of harvested kohlrabi:
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Refrigeration: Place harvested bulbs in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks when stored properly.
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Freezing: For longer storage, peel kohlrabi and cut it into cubes before blanching for about three minutes. Cool quickly in ice water, drain, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Conclusion
Growing kohlrabi in Maryland is not only rewarding but also adds diversity to your vegetable garden. With its unique taste and numerous health benefits, this hardy vegetable can thrive under proper conditions and care. By following this guide—preparing suitable soil, choosing appropriate planting times and varieties, maintaining proper moisture levels, managing pests, and correctly harvesting—you’ll be well on your way to enjoying home-grown kohlrabi all season long! Whether used raw or cooked, this versatile vegetable will surely impress at your dinner table. Happy gardening!