Kohlrabi, with its unique, bulbous stems and leafy tops, brings an intriguing and flavorful touch to any garden. This cool-season vegetable is known for its alien-like appearance, with swollen stems that can be green or purple. The leafy greens sprout from the top, adding to its distinctive look, making kohlrabi a fascinating addition to garden beds or containers.

In Florida planting zone 9, kohlrabi thrives, especially during the cooler months. The bulbs develop just above the soil, creating a curious and delightful sight as they mature. Watching these unusual plants grow is a rewarding experience, highlighting the diversity and beauty of your garden.

For those new to gardening, kohlrabi is a rewarding choice. It’s relatively easy to grow and offers both edible bulbs and greens. Whether you enjoy it raw, roasted, or in salads, kohlrabi brings a crisp and mild flavor to your meals, making your gardening efforts both enjoyable and productive.

I would give kohlrabi a 4 out of 5 on how easy it is to grow. It is relatively straightforward to cultivate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Explanation:

• Start Seeds Inside: Starting kohlrabi seeds indoors allows for controlled conditions to ensure strong seedling development before transplanting outdoors.

• Direct Seed: Direct seeding kohlrabi in the cooler months ensures that the plants can grow without the stress of high temperatures, which can negatively impact growth.

• Transplant Starter Plants: Transplanting kohlrabi starter plants during the cooler months helps them establish quickly and take advantage of the full growing season.

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• Soil: Kohlrabi prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure.

• Sun: Full sun is ideal for kohlrabi, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

• Spacing: Plant kohlrabi seeds spaced 3-5 inches apart in rows and space rows 24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart to allow room for bulb development.

• Fertilization:
  N-P-K Ratio: Kohlrabi benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to support leafy growth and bulb development, such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14.

  When to Add:

  • Before Planting: Apply the balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting seeds or transplants to promote strong initial growth.

  • Mid-Growing Season: Reapply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support continued growth and bulb development.

  Application Tips:

  • Follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.

  • Apply the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots.

  Additional Tips:

  • Kohlrabi grows best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost to improve soil fertility and structure.

  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

  • Ensure that kohlrabi receives consistent moisture, especially during bulb formation, to prevent stress and promote even growth.

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

• Harvesting: Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulbous stem reaches 2-3 inches in diameter, which typically occurs 50-80 days after planting. The bulbs should be firm and about the size of a tennis ball; larger bulbs may become woody and less flavorful.

By selecting the right kohlrabi varieties and following these growing tips, you can achieve a successful and bountiful kohlrabi harvest in your Florida garden.

Pests and Diseases that affect Kohlrabi in Florida:

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing.

• Cabbage Worms: Caterpillars that chew large holes in the leaves.

• Flea Beetles: Small beetles that chew small holes in the leaves.

• Cutworms: Caterpillars that cut down young plants at the base.

Natural Pest Control

• Downy Mildew: A fungal disease that causes yellowing leaves with a fuzzy, grayish growth on the underside.

• Clubroot: A fungal disease that causes swollen and distorted roots, leading to stunted growth.

Companion Plants

1. Marigold

• Description: Marigolds are bright, sunny flowers that come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, and red.

• Growing Season: Spring through fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-11

• Special Notes: Marigolds release chemicals in the soil that deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests.

• How it Helps: Marigolds help repel aphids, flea beetles, and other pests. Their roots secrete a substance that helps prevent nematodes, protecting kohlrabi’s root system.

2. Onions

• Description: Onions are bulbous vegetables with a pungent taste and strong aroma.

• Growing Season: Fall to spring

• USDA Planting Zone: 3-9

• Special Notes: Onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Onions help repel aphids, flea beetles, and other pests that can damage kohlrabi. Their strong odor masks the scent of kohlrabi, making it harder for pests to locate them.

3. Dill

• Description: Dill is an herb with feathery green leaves and yellow flowers, known for its use in pickling.

• Growing Season: Spring to early summer

• USDA Planting Zone: 2-11

• Special Notes: Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps that prey on aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. It also helps improve the health of surrounding plants by enhancing their growth.

4. Chamomile

• Description: Chamomile is a daisy-like herb known for its small, white flowers and calming properties.

• Growing Season: Spring to summer

• USDA Planting Zone: 3-9

• Special Notes: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Chamomile attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids and other pests. It also has antifungal properties that can help protect kohlrabi from diseases such as downy mildew.

5. Thyme

• Description: Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with small, aromatic leaves and purple or pink flowers.

• Growing Season: Spring to fall

• USDA Planting Zone: 5-9

• Special Notes: Thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

• How it Helps: Thyme helps repel cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other pests with its strong aroma. It also attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests affecting kohlrabi.

These companion plants help protect kohlrabi from pests and diseases while also enhancing the overall health and productivity of the garden.

For kohlrabi, here are the vegetable plants that should not be planted nearby:

1. Strawberries - Can attract pests and diseases harmful to kohlrabi.

2. Tomatoes - Compete for nutrients and can attract pests that affect kohlrabi.

3. Peppers - Can stunt the growth of kohlrabi.

4. Pole Beans - Can inhibit the growth of kohlrabi.

5. Other Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Kale) - Compete for the same nutrients and can attract similar pests and diseases.