Kohlrabi: The Quirky Vegetable That Looks Like It’s From Outer Space
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a cabbage and a turnip had a baby that decided to grow above ground, meet kohlrabi! This unusual member of the brassica family, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, is one of the most distinctive vegetables you can grow in your garden. With its bulbous stem that looks like it belongs on an alien planet, kohlrabi is sure to spark conversations among your gardening friends.
What Exactly Is Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi gets its name from the German words kohl (cabbage) and rabi (turnip), which perfectly describes this curious vegetable. Despite its turnip-like appearance, the swollen portion you eat is actually an enlarged stem, not a root. The plant produces distinctive leaves that sprout directly from this bulbous stem, creating an almost sci-fi appearance in your garden beds.
Origins and Distribution
Originally native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe, kohlrabi has been cultivated for centuries and has spread worldwide as a garden vegetable. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not considered invasive and poses no threat to native ecosystems when grown in home gardens.
Why Grow Kohlrabi in Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to give this unusual vegetable a try:
- Unique aesthetic appeal: Available in both green and striking purple varieties, kohlrabi adds visual interest to any garden
- Conversation starter: Visitors to your garden will definitely ask about these unusual-looking plants
- Dual-purpose plant: Both the bulbous stem and young leaves are edible
- Cool-season crop: Perfect for spring and fall gardening when other vegetables struggle
- Pollinator friendly: When allowed to flower, kohlrabi produces small yellow blooms that attract bees and other beneficial insects
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Kohlrabi works wonderfully in several garden settings:
- Vegetable gardens: Makes an interesting addition to traditional vegetable plots
- Edible landscapes: The ornamental qualities make it suitable for front-yard food gardens
- Container gardens: Compact size makes it perfect for pots and raised beds
- Children’s gardens: The unusual appearance captivates young gardeners
Growing Conditions and Care
Kohlrabi is surprisingly easy to grow when you understand its preferences:
Climate and Hardiness: This cool-season annual can be grown in USDA zones 2-11, depending on timing. It thrives in temperatures between 40-75°F and can tolerate light frosts.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. Rich, organic matter-amended soil produces the best bulbs.
Light Needs: Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Water Requirements: Requires consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Irregular watering can cause the bulbs to crack or become woody.
Planting and Care Tips
When to Plant:
- Spring planting: 4-6 weeks before last frost
- Fall planting: 10-12 weeks before first hard frost
- Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest
Planting Method:
- Direct sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep
- Space plants 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart
- Seeds germinate in 5-10 days in proper conditions
Ongoing Care:
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Apply a balanced fertilizer when bulbs begin to form
- Harvest when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter (usually 50-60 days from planting)
- Don’t let bulbs get too large, or they become woody and tough
Potential Challenges
Like other brassicas, kohlrabi can be affected by cabbage worms, flea beetles, and clubroot. Crop rotation and row covers can help prevent these issues. The plant may bolt (go to seed) prematurely in hot weather, so timing is crucial for success.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While kohlrabi doesn’t provide significant wildlife habitat, allowing some plants to flower provides nectar for pollinators. The flowers attract bees, beneficial wasps, and other small insects that help support garden ecosystems.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re interested in supporting native ecosystems, consider growing native plants alongside or instead of kohlrabi. Native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs provide superior habitat and food sources for local wildlife while still offering garden interest.
The Bottom Line
Kohlrabi might look like something from another planet, but it’s a perfectly earthly and rewarding vegetable to grow. Whether you’re drawn to its unusual appearance, interested in trying something new in the kitchen, or want to add a conversation piece to your garden, kohlrabi delivers on all fronts. With proper timing and care, you’ll be harvesting these distinctive vegetables in just two months from planting.
