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How to Grow Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi , sometimes call German turnip or turnip kale , was developed by survival of the fittest for an hypertrophied edible theme . The comestible part of the flora , which can be eaten raw or misrepresent , is either unripened or purple .
Time of Planting
Seeds can be seed out of doors just after the last rime , or inside several weeks before the last frost and then transplant outside . If planting kohlrabi as a capitulation harvest , unmediated sow sow around 90 daylight before the first rime date . In the spring , transplant kohlrabi seedling outdoors around 1 - 2 weeks before your last frost date .
Spacing Requirements
Sow Brassica oleracea gongylodes seeds ¼ inch deep . Space plant 9 - 12 inches apart .
Time to Germination
3 - 10 days
Special Considerations
Kohlrabi does n’t mature well in loose dirt .
Common Pests and Diseases
Kohlrabi is susceptible to pesterer such as flea beetles . It is easy to dissuade these beetles by get across kohlrabi plant with a flimsy row concealment .
When and How to Harvest for Food Consumption
harvest home Brassica oleracea gongylodes plants when the bulbs reach 3 inches in diameter . geld the stem just above the soil line .
Eating
Kohlrabi bulbs can be used in a form of ways . stark naked kohlrabi can be grated and used in salads , the bulb can be hack fine and incorporated into soup . stung kohlrabi can be also be added to soup . Shredded turnip cabbage can be made into fritter or vegetable pancakes , while roasted Brassica oleracea gongylodes is a great winter treat . Kohlrabi greens can also be eaten when young .
Storing
turnip cabbage can be stored in the icebox for several weeks .
How to Save Kohlrabi Seeds
Kohlrabi belong to the Brassica oleracea mintage , which includes many other craw type , like broccoli , Brussels sprouts , and cauliflower . Because of this , closing off needs to be managed thoughtfully , but because most are biennial that will not blossom until their 2d time of year , a gardener can spring up multiple varieties for exhaust while at the same time growing one variety for seed saving .
Life Cycle
Biennial
Recommended Isolation Distance
disjoined varieties by 800 feet – ½ mile in their 2d class of ontogeny .
Recommended Population Sizes
To control viable seeds , save semen from at least 5 plants . When maintaining a mixed bag over many generations , save seeds from 20 - 50 plants . If you ’re saving seeds for genetic preservation of a rare variety , save seeds from 80 plant .
Vernalization
Vernalization can happen in the sphere or in repositing . Overwinter cabbage in the garden if you will have 10 - 12 week of coolheaded conditions ( around 50 level F ) without regular temperatures below 35 degrees F.
When plants can not be successfully overwintered in the garden , they can be vernalized in storage . Before the first frost , grind up the entire flora , roots and all . Trim off proscribed leaves but keep the growing full stop intact . Replant these trimmed plants in containers filled with somewhat moist pot mix or gumption .
Then , find a place to store your plants . The optimal storage condition for kohlrabi vernalization array from 34 - 39 degrees F and 80 - 95 % comparative humidness . A traditional theme cellar is ideal but garage , sheds , and other unwarmed structure form well in some climates .
In the springiness , when the ground can be work out , replant turnip cabbage in your garden . blank plants at least 36 inches aside .
Assessing Seed Maturity
After blossom in their 2nd year of ontogeny , mature seed seedpod become dry and turn brown as the seeds inside also mature and brown . As with many of the Brassica crop , the window of time for an optimal crop may be short as ripe pods will begin to shatter and bird depredation can become a problem .
Harvesting
Seeds can be gathered by cutting entire offshoot or by harvesting whole plants . Because of this coinage ’ tendency to shatter , the glean stuff should be placed on drop cloths or in containers to prevent seeded player red ink .
Cleaning and Processing
Branches of mature fruits can be threshed by rubbing the pods between one ’s hands or by hitting the brickly pods against any airfoil that will cause fruits to break open . If the pods are dry , they will release their seeds easy when flail .
Storage and Viability
Store Brassica oleracea gongylodes cum in a nerveless , dark , and ironic blank space in an airtight container to keep out moisture and humidity . Properly stored kohlrabi seeds will remain viable for several years .
Read more about storing seeds .
Fall planting
Learn about extending your crop into the fall season by growing coolheaded - season crops , plan a fall planting around your local frost dates , and protect your crops from the frigidity .
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