SoCal Home Gardening

Kohlrabi

Bulbous stem with a mild, sweet flavor.

Information on Growing Kohlrabi

Growing kohlrabi in a home garden can be a rewarding experience. Here are some helpful tips and information to ensure a successful harvest:

1. Choosing and preparing the site: Kohlrabi thrives in well-drained soil and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil with a garden fork or tiller. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris and amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.

2. Timing the planting: Kohlrabi can be grown in both spring and fall. For spring planting, sow the seeds directly in the garden bed about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. For fall planting, begin sowing the seeds around 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost date.

3. Sowing the seeds: Kohlrabi seeds are small, so it's recommended to start them indoors in seed trays or pots. Fill the containers with a good quality seed-starting mix and sow the seeds at a depth of � to � inch. Water gently to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings reach about 3-4 inches in height and have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden bed, spacing them about 6-8 inches apart.

4. Watering and mulching: Kohlrabi plants prefer consistently moist soil. Water them regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain a more stable soil temperature.

5. Fertilizing: Kohlrabi requires regular feeding to support healthy growth. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

6. Pest and disease management: Kohlrabi can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, but proper prevention and timely action can help keep them at bay. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of pests such as aphids or cabbage worms and remove them manually or use organic insecticidal soap. To prevent diseases, ensure good air circulation by spacing the plants adequately and avoid overhead watering.

7. Harvesting: Kohlrabi bulbs are usually ready for harvest when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter. They should have a firm texture and a vibrant skin color. To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the base of the plant and lift the bulb out. Trim off any leaves or roots, leaving a small stalk attached. The leaves can also be harvested and used in salads or cooked as greens.

8. Storing and using: Freshly harvested kohlrabi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Remove any leaves attached to the bulb to prevent moisture loss. The bulbs can be enjoyed raw in salads, slaws, or sandwiches, or cooked in stir-fries, roasted, or steamed.

Remember, experimentation and observation are key to becoming a successful gardener. Don't be afraid to try different techniques and varieties to find what works best in your specific garden conditions. Happy gardening!

Kohlrabi Varieties

See All Kohlrabi Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.