Kohlrabi, a unique member of the cabbage family, is a versatile and delicious vegetable that thrives in cooler climates. If you’re a gardener in Massachusetts looking to add this intriguing vegetable to your garden, you’re in luck. This guide will cover everything from selecting the right variety to harvesting and storing your kohlrabi, ensuring a bounty of this crunchy delight.
Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) is commonly referred to as “turnip cabbage” due to its bulbous stem that grows above the ground. It has a mild, sweet flavor reminiscent of broccoli stems or cabbage hearts, and can be consumed raw or cooked. Kohlrabi comes in two main varieties: green and purple. The green variety is generally sweeter, while the purple variety adds a pop of color to your garden and plate.
In Massachusetts, both green and purple kohlrabi varieties can be successfully grown. Some popular varieties include:
Choose a variety based on your taste preferences as well as the specific conditions of your garden.
Massachusetts has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers, making it well-suited for kohlrabi cultivation. Kohlrabi thrives in cooler weather and is typically planted in spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Kohlrabi prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth. Before planting, incorporate compost or aged manure into your soil to boost its nutrient content.
This vegetable loves the sun! Ensure that your kohlrabi plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth. If you’re planting in the heat of summer for a fall crop, consider providing partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
In Massachusetts, timing is crucial for growing kohlrabi successfully:
Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date (typically around mid-April), which means starting seeds in early March. Transplant them outdoors when seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed.
Late Summer Planting: For a fall harvest, sow seeds directly into the ground around mid-July to early August. This allows plants to mature during cooler temperatures.
Prepare Your Bed: Clear debris from your garden bed and amend the soil with compost, ensuring it is loose and well-draining.
Seed Spacing: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12-24 inches apart.
Watering: Water gently but thoroughly after planting to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Thinning: Once seedlings have reached about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out so they’re spaced approximately 6 inches apart to allow for proper bulb development.
If starting indoors, transplant seedlings when they are about 3-4 inches tall. Follow these steps:
Harden Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week by placing them outside for increasing lengths of time.
Transplanting: Once hardened off, plant seedlings at the same depth they were growing indoors and water immediately.
Kohlrabi requires consistent moisture for healthy growth. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil doesn’t become too dry or waterlogged. Drip irrigation systems work well if you prefer automated watering.
A balanced fertilizer or one high in nitrogen can promote strong growth. Apply fertilizer at planting time and side-dress with additional nutrients every month during the growing season.
Common pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests:
Keep weeds at bay by regularly checking your garden bed; they compete with kohlrabi for nutrients and water. Mulching around plants can help suppress weeds while retaining moisture.
Kohlrabi is typically ready for harvest about 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. The bulbs should be harvested while they are still young (around 3-4 inches in diameter) for the best flavor and texture:
After harvesting, it’s important to store kohlrabi correctly:
Kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked:
Experiment with different recipes to discover your favorite ways to enjoy this unique vegetable!
Growing kohlrabi in Massachusetts can be a rewarding experience that enriches your garden’s diversity while giving you a delicious crop to enjoy throughout the seasons. With proper planning and care—considering factors such as soil preparation, timing, pest management, and storage—you’ll find success with this nutritious vegetable that’s both fun to grow and delightful on your plate! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, add kohlrabi to your gardening repertoire this year!