Late Kohlrabi Cabbage vegetables

Brassica oleracea var. Gongylodes

A biennial plant originating from the Mediterranean region and Western Europe. Many cultivars have been bred from the wild plant, which are visually very different: white cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, marrow-stem kale, fodder kale, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi.

Kohlrabi has a stem up to 20 cm long, from which long-stalked leaves grow above the bulb, and the leaves below the bulb die off. The most basic division of kohlrabi is into purple and white varieties, with white varieties being the earliest. In addition to their pleasant taste, they are also a rich source of vitamins B, C and E, calcium, potassium, selenium, zinc, iron, folic acid and pantothenic acid. It can be consumed raw, tastes good on its own or as part of vegetable salads. We can boil, braise, bake it, use it like courgette in batter instead of potatoes in pancakes, or fry it in breadcrumb coating.

How to Grow Kohlrabi

• The location should have a more humid climate; it doesn't need high temperatures. We ensure even soil moisture, water regularly with moderate amounts, and hoe around the plants. In dry conditions, the bulbs become woody and crack after heavier watering. Keep the bed free of weeds.

• Early varieties: sow in February. Plant them at 25x25 cm spacing in mid-April. White early kohlrabi varieties do not tolerate higher temperatures in early summer. Cover spring varieties with fleece when planting.

  Summer varieties: sow in March or April. Plant at 25x25 cm spacing in the first half of May.

  Late varieties: sow at the turn of April and May. Seedlings must be planted no later than mid-August.

• Plants require loamy or sandy-loam soil with sufficient humus content and adequate available nutrients. The optimal pH value ranges between 6–7.3.

• Before planting, it is advisable to apply industrial fertilizers to the soil at a rate of 30–60 g/m² with an NPK nutrient ratio of 1.5:1:2. For late varieties or direct sowing, apply the first half of the dose at planting and the second half during the growing season.

• Drought damage manifests as cracking of roots, bulbs and fruits; in severe cases, they dry out completely.

  Pests on kohlrabi include Flea beetles (Phyllotreta undulata), Black flea beetle (Phyllotreta atra), Cabbage flea beetle (Phyllotreta nemorum) and Cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae).

  Among fungal diseases, powdery mildew is the most common.

• Harvest kohlrabi selectively according to size. Early varieties are usually harvested when they reach 4 cm in diameter. It is not advisable to harvest plants that have bolted to flower.