Heirloom vegetables have become increasingly popular among home gardeners in recent years, and kohlrabi is no exception.
In this post, I will share some tips on growing heirloom kohlrabi and highlight some unique and tasty varieties that you might want to try.
If you’ve never grown kohlrabi before, you’re in for a treat - this versatile vegetable is high in nutrients and surprisingly easy to grow.
So whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned pro, let’s dive right in and explore the wonderful world of heirloom kohlrabi!
If you’re not familiar with heirloom vegetables, they are varieties of plants that have been passed down through generations of families or grown commercially before hybridization became prevalent.
Heirloom kohlrabi is no exception, and it is important to note that these varieties have characteristics that distinguish them from commercially available kohlrabi.
For one, heirloom kohlrabi varieties often have unique colors, shapes, and flavors. Instead of the uniform green-white Sputnik kohlrabi, you can enjoy the delectable purple-tinged and slightly sweeter Purple Vienna kohlrabi.
It is interesting to note how unique heirloom kohlrabi varieties can be, with Gigante kohlrabi, for example, being so massive that it can grow up to 10lbs!
But it’s not just their distinct look that sets heirloom kohlrabi apart. These varieties are typically more resilient than their modern counterparts, more nutritionally dense, and preserve a wealth of genetic diversity that is otherwise at risk of loss.
That’s why I am passionate about growing heirloom kohlrabi, for all of its unique and eco-conscious benefits.
Growing heirloom kohlrabi has numerous benefits that extend beyond the tasty, crunchy vegetable you can harvest in your garden.
By growing heirloom kohlrabi, you’ll have access to a vegetable that is high in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
When you grow heirloom kohlrabi, you are helping to preserve unique genetic strains that have been passed down through generations. By doing so, you are contributing to the conservation of ancient agricultural practices and preserving biodiversity.
Growing heirloom kohlrabi can be a cost-effective way to obtain high-quality produce, particularly if you frequently consume it. By investing in quality seeds and dedicating time to your garden, you can produce a bountiful harvest that will last you through much of the growing season.
Growing heirloom kohlrabi can also benefit the environment. When you cultivate heirloom vegetables, you encourage natural pest control and reduce the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. Additionally, heirloom vegetables tend to be more drought-resistant, so you’ll conserve water in the process.
Finally, heirloom kohlrabi has a superior flavor to many of the commercially available varieties. You can select the specific cultivars that you find most appealing, and because heirloom seeds tend to be open-pollinated and genetically diverse, you may end up with a unique taste that cannot be found elsewhere.
In short, growing heirloom kohlrabi is a great way to nourish your body, contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, cut costs, protect the environment, and enjoy vegetables with a unique and delicious flavor.
White Vienna kohlrabi, also known as “White Delicacy,” is the most popular heirloom kohlrabi. The cabbage-like texture of the White Vienna kohlrabi is crisp and sweet, making it an excellent choice for salads and coleslaw. White Vienna kohlrabi originated in northern Europe and was first introduced to the United States in the 1800s.
Purple Vienna kohlrabi, also known as “Blue Vienna,” is a purple-skinned kohlrabi that has a slightly spicier flavor than the White Vienna variety. It is rich in antioxidants and has a high nutritional value. Purple Vienna kohlrabi originated in Europe, and it is believed to have been selectively bred for its unique color.
Gigante kohlrabi is the largest of all the kohlrabi varieties. It can grow up to ten inches in diameter and weighs around ten pounds. The texture is dense and slightly sweet, making it perfect for roasting or grilling. Gigante kohlrabi is native to Italy and is a very rare variety.
There are many other heirloom kohlrabi varieties available, including the Quickstar, Korridor, and Kolibri. Each of these varieties has a unique flavor, texture, and nutritional profile, making them a great addition to any garden.
By growing heirloom kohlrabi, you get access to a wide variety of flavors and textures that are not available through domesticated vegetables. This variety also helps preserve biodiversity by maintaining the genetic diversity of our food supply.
Growing heirloom kohlrabi is relatively easy as long as you give the plant the right growing conditions. It is a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or fall. Below are the three main growing conditions that you need to consider when growing heirloom kohlrabi.
One of the most important factors for growing heirloom kohlrabi is to provide the plant with well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Kohlrabi prefers rich and fertile soil that is high in organic matter. It’s important to prepare the soil before planting by adding compost and aged manure. Kohlrabi will not thrive in soil that is too compact or wet.
Kohlrabi needs full sun to thrive. Make sure that the plant gets six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. If you plant kohlrabi in the summer, it’s important to give it some shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid the plant from bolting.
Kohlrabi requires consistent moisture to grow. Make sure to water the plant regularly and deeply to keep the soil evenly moist. Water the plant more frequently if you are experiencing a dry spell. It’s important to avoid overwatering because it could lead to root rot.
By providing your heirloom kohlrabi plants with the correct growing conditions, you can ensure a bountiful harvest. A healthy plant is less prone to pests and diseases, so it’s important to keep the growing conditions optimal.
Planting heirloom kohlrabi is a straightforward process that requires some basic steps. To ensure optimal growth and maximal yield, you should follow these steps:
Preparing the garden bed Before planting heirloom kohlrabi, prepare the soil. Make sure the soil is well-draining and has a neutral pH level of around 7.0. If the soil is too acidic, apply lime to raise the pH level.
Sowing seeds Once the soil is ready, sow the seeds. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Ensure that the soil is moist. You can cover the area with a thick layer of mulch to keep the soil moist.
Thinning seedlings When the seedlings have grown to a height of about 1 inch, thin them out. Move them to a new location or discard them. Ensure that the remaining seedlings are spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. This step is important because it helps the remaining seedlings to have ample space and light to grow.
By following these steps, you will lay a good foundation for the optimal growth of your heirloom kohlrabi. It is essential to stay patient and allow the plants time to develop.
Kohlrabi is generally a hardy plant and not very prone to pest attacks. However, some pests and diseases can still cause damage to your plants, and it’s important to know what to look out for.
Aphids are the most common pest that can plague your kohlrabi plants. These tiny insects suck the sap out of your plants, causing them to wilt and die. You may also encounter cabbage loopers, which are green caterpillars that can chew through your plants leaves and damage your crops.
Black rot is a bacterial disease that is very common in kohlrabi plants, causing black spots to appear on the leaves and stem. Clubroot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to swell into knob-like growths. Cabbage worms can also be a problem, and they can get into the folds of the kohlrabi leaves.
To prevent pest and disease problems, it is important to keep your plants healthy and strong through proper cultivation. One way to do this is to plant in fertile, well-drained soils. Make sure to rotate your crops, as planting kohlrabi in the same spot each year can lead to an increased risk of disease.
If you do notice an infestation, there are a number of organic control methods you can use. You can spray your plants with neem oil, which is an effective insecticide that is safe for people and pets. Another option is to use row covers to prevent the pests from reaching your plants.
To manage diseases, remove any infected plants as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy plants. Make sure to dispose of these removed plants far from your garden to prevent re-infection.
By following these tips, you can prevent and manage pest and disease problems in your kohlrabi plants, and ensure a healthy, thriving garden.
Harvesting and storing heirloom kohlrabi is just as important as growing it. When you see that kohlrabi has reached its peak of maturity, it is time to harvest. The best time to harvest is when the bulb reaches between two to three inches in diameter. Larger bulbs tend to be woody and have a tougher taste. Additionally, waiting too long to harvest could lead to the plant becoming too tough or even separating from the stem. Hence, by harvesting them in time, you can ensure that each bulb has a sweet and crisp taste.
To harvest, simply cut the stem right above the crown or below the bulb. Make sure the cut is clean and does not damage the bulbs surrounding the one that you harvested. Remember to use a sharp knife or scissors to make sure the cuts are clean and straight. Damaged bulbs will not last long in storage.
Storing the harvested kohlrabi is important to keep the freshness and maintain the quality for a long period. If you don’t plan to use it right away, it is necessary to store it properly. Kohlrabi bulbs can last for over three months if stored at a temperature of around 32°F to 35°F but not frozen. For shorter-term storage (up to three weeks), store bulbs in plastic bags in the fridge.
Before storing, clean the bulbs by cutting off the leaves and roots and washing them gently. Also, dry them completely before storing them in the fridge. Proper storage guarantees protection against damage or disease.
In conclusion, to get the best out of your heirloom kohlrabi, it is important to harvest them at the right time, make clean cuts, and store them properly. Now that you know how to store them appropriately, you can be sure you’ll enjoy the flavorful taste for months to come.
In conclusion, I hope you found this post informative and helpful in understanding the benefits of growing heirloom kohlrabi as well as some tips for selecting, planting and preserving these unique varieties.
It’s my belief that by preserving the biodiversity of our food supply, we can ensure a healthier and tastier future for ourselves and generations to come.
My question to you is, which of these heirloom varieties will you try in your garden this year?
I’d love to hear about your experiences!
Feel free to send me a message and let me know how it goes.
If you found value in this post, please consider sharing it on your social media accounts so that others can benefit from this information too.
Thank you and happy growing!
Author: Scott Sanders
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