Damon Mcknight
Kohlrabi, a bulbous vegetable with a unique shape, is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. It is believed to have been first cultivated in Northern Europe in the 14th century and is now grown in home gardens and farms worldwide. Being frost-hardy and fast-growing, kohlrabi is an excellent addition to any garden in Australia. In this guide, we will explore how to grow kohlrabi successfully in Australia, covering topics such as climate considerations, soil preparation, planting instructions, common pests and diseases, and harvesting techniques. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy this tasty and underrated vegetable in your meals all year round.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | All climates, except extremely hot or cold weather |
| Sowing Time | Late summer to autumn, early spring, late winter to mid-autumn (depending on climate zone) |
| Sunlight | Full sun or part shade, at least 3 hours of full sun daily |
| Soil | Well-drained, rich, pH between 6.0 and 7.5, soil temperature between 46°F and 86°F (16-27°C) |
| Soil Preparation | Aged compost, worm castings, organic fertiliser, lime (if soil is acidic), animal manure |
| Sowing Method | Directly into the garden, 5mm deep, 10-20cm apart, rows 30-40cm apart |
| Watering | Keep soil moist, water when the soil is dry 5cm below the surface, water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon |
| Harvesting | Pull bulbs when they are 5-7 cm in diameter, sow successive crops every 4-5 weeks |
| Pests | Cabbage white butterflies, bandicoots |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Soil preparation: well-drained, pH 6.0-7.5, fertilised, and lime if acidic
- When to plant: late winter to spring, avoid extreme weather?
- Planting method: sow seeds 5mm deep, 10-20cm apart, rows 30-40cm apart
- Watering: keep soil moist, water when 5cm below surface is dry
- Harvesting: pull bulbs when 5-7cm diameter, or harvest at 7-10 weeks
Soil preparation: well-drained, pH 6.0-7.5, fertilised, and lime if acidic
Kohlrabi thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich and free-draining, with a lightly aerated and enriched top layer. Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding organic matter such as aged animal manure or compost. You can also use fertilisers like the Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to enrich the soil. If your soil is acidic, add lime as per the packet instructions. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering as it can affect germination and growth. Test the soil by scratching away a little with your finger and water when it feels dry about 5 cm below the surface.
When to Apply for an Australian ETA
You may want to see also
Explore related products
When to plant: late winter to spring, avoid extreme weather
When to plant kohlrabi depends on your climate zone. In cold temperate climates, spring and summer are the best times to plant. In warm temperate, arid, and semi-arid climates, kohlrabi can be planted from late winter to mid-autumn. In tropical and subtropical climates, the best time to plant is from autumn to early spring.
Kohlrabi is a frost-hardy and fast-growing plant, so it can be planted from late winter to spring in most climates. This allows you to grow and harvest it before frost-tender spring plantings like tomatoes. However, it is important to avoid planting in extreme weather conditions, as these can affect germination and growth.
In general, kohlrabi seeds should be sown when the soil temperature is between 16°C and 27°C (46°F and 86°F). At these temperatures, seeds should germinate in around 3-10 days. Keep the soil moist but never wet or dry. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets, and weather until they are established.
Kohlrabi thrives in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Choose a location that receives at least 3 hours of sunlight each day. The soil should be well-drained and enriched with organic matter. Prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost.
Mixbook's Global Reach: Shipping to Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Planting method: sow seeds 5mm deep, 10-20cm apart, rows 30-40cm apart
When planting kohlrabi seeds, it's important to prepare the soil properly. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil, and enrich it with organic matter like aged compost, worm castings, or a fertiliser like Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If your soil is acidic, add lime as well. Kohlrabi thrives in full sun but will tolerate some shade, and it prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Once your soil is ready, you can start planting your kohlrabi seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the soil, planting them 5mm deep and 10-20cm apart. Leave 30-40cm between each row of seeds. Cover the seeds lightly with a seed-raising mix, like Yates Seed Raising Mix, and water them well. It's important to keep the soil moist so the seeds don't dry out, but be careful not to overwater. The seeds should germinate in around 3-10 days at a soil temperature of 16-27°C.
After germination, your young kohlrabi seedlings will need protection from pests, pets, and weather until they are established. As the plants grow, keep an eye on the soil moisture and water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface. It's best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and avoid watering the leaves of the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Kohlrabi is a relatively compact plant, so it can be grown in containers as well as in the garden. If you're growing it in a container, choose a variety that's recommended for container growing, and use a good-quality potting mix. Make sure your container is large enough for the mature plants—a minimum of 40 litres is recommended for kohlrabi.
Massive Reptiles: Australian Crocodiles' Astonishing Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Watering: keep soil moist, water when 5cm below surface is dry
Watering your kohlrabi plants is crucial to their growth. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your plants get the right amount of water:
Keep the soil moist: Kohlrabi seeds should be sown directly into moist soil. It is important to maintain this moisture level throughout the growth of your kohlrabi. Regular watering is recommended to prevent the soil from drying out.
Water when the top 5cm of soil is dry: To determine if your kohlrabi needs watering, check the moisture level of the soil about 5cm below the surface. You can do this by gently scratching away a small amount of soil with your finger. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it's time to water your plant.
Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon: When you do water your kohlrabi, ensure you provide a thorough watering. The best time to water is during the cooler parts of the day, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This allows the water to reach the roots effectively without excessive evaporation.
Avoid watering the leaves: When watering your kohlrabi, direct the water towards the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. Watering the leaves can promote fungal diseases, which can be detrimental to the health of your plant.
By following these watering guidelines, you can help ensure that your kohlrabi receives the right amount of moisture for healthy growth. Remember that kohlrabi thrives in well-drained soil, so ensure your planting site meets this requirement to facilitate proper water absorption and drainage.
Australian Claim in Antarctica: How Much Does It Own?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Harvesting: pull bulbs when 5-7cm diameter, or harvest at 7-10 weeks
When it comes to harvesting kohlrabi, timing is key. Kohlrabi is best harvested when the bulbs are between 5 and 7 cm in diameter. The smaller the bulb, the better the taste. Waiting too long to harvest may result in a woody texture and bitter flavour. Kohlrabi can be harvested as early as 7 to 10 weeks after planting.
To harvest kohlrabi, gently pull the bulbs from the ground. It is important not to mound the soil around the base of the plant, as this can cause the kohlrabi to rot. Instead, allow the root system to hold the mass above the ground.
Kohlrabi is a fast-growing crop, and successive crops can be sown every 4 to 5 weeks to extend the harvest window. In addition, kohlrabi can be grown year-round in most climates, making it possible to have a continuous supply of fresh bulbs. However, it is important to avoid planting in extremely hot or cold weather, as this can affect germination and growth.
When harvesting kohlrabi, it is important to protect the young seedlings from pests, pets, and weather until they are established. Kohlrabi may also need additional fertiliser during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. By following these tips, you can ensure a healthy and bountiful kohlrabi harvest.
Smiths Chips: Australian-Made?
You may want to see also
