Is kohlrabi suitable for beginners?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.*Kohlrabi* is an excellent *vegetable for beginners* because of its forgiving disposition. Even under my uneven watering and heavy clay soil, I got bulbs the size of baseballs on my first try. This brassica grows almost in front of your eyes each day, which can be good for the morale of beginners. Unlike temperamental tomatoes or melons, kohlrabi does not mind occasional missed schedules and will still yield something edible.
Fast Growth Cycle
- 50-60 days from seed to harvest
- Visible progress motivates beginners
- Allows multiple planting attempts per season
Soil Adaptability
- Thrives in pH 6.0-7.5 without precise amendments
- Tolerates clay soils better than root vegetables
- Requires minimal fertilization
Using kohlrabi for pest management is easier than other brassicas. A monthly application of 1 tbsp neem oil per quart of water resolves most pest problems. Whenever I vacation, I never treat the kohlrabi and still pull up usable bulbs, although the leaves are damaged. Row covers provide added insurance against cabbage worms.
Bulb Splitting
- Caused by irregular watering
- Fix: Use soaker hoses on timers
- Still edible but less attractive
Leaf Holes
- Flea beetle damage common
- Tolerate minor damage on established plants
- Apply diatomaceous earth for severe cases
Flexible harvesting lessens stress. Kohlrabi may be eaten from golf-ball size to softball size. My neighbor harvested her kohlrabi two weeks late during a warm spell and although the texture of the bulbs suffered, the roasted bulbs were still sweet. If you want to ensure a good crunch, you will want to harvest kohlrabi when it reaches 2-3 inches in diameter after the morning dew has evaporated.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kohlrabi: Complete Beginner's Guide
