Kohlrabi
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
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Description
Kohlrabi, a cultivar of the cabbage family, is recognized for its swollen, turnip-like stem that is consumed as a vegetable. It is a biennial plant grown as an annual, with a growth habit similar to cabbage and broccoli. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, kohlrabi serves as an excellent understory plant in food forests, contributing to soil health through its fibrous root system that enhances soil structure. It is often integrated into crop rotations due to its short growing period and ability to improve soil fertility. Historically, kohlrabi has been used in European cuisines for its versatility and nutritional benefits. It pairs well with legumes and aromatic herbs like dill and coriander in guilds, enhancing pest resistance and biodiversity.
Growing Details
Kohlrabi thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or aged manure. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like onions and beets can deter pests and enhance growth. Avoid planting near strawberries and tomatoes, which can compete for nutrients. Harvest when the bulbs are 5-7 cm in diameter to ensure tenderness. Store harvested kohlrabi in a cool, humid environment
Tags
Carbon Farming
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Winter Edible
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, now widely cultivated in te
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
?
Harvest:
?
Seed Start:
beginning
of February
Indoor Start:
beginning
of February
Transplant:
beginning
of April
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Kohlrabi is primarily consumed for its bulbous stem, which can be eaten raw or cooked. The young leaves are also edible and can be used similarly to kale or collard greens. The stem has a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in salads, stir-fries, and soups. It is best harvested when the bulbs are 5-7 cm in diameter for optimal tenderness.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Kohlrabi is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, which contribute to its health benefits, including supporting immune function and digestive health. It also contains glucosinolates, compounds that may have antioxidant properties. Consuming kohlrabi raw preserves its vitamin C content, while cooking can enhance its digestibility.
health concerns: Individuals with thyroid issues should consume kohlrabi in moderation due to its goitrogenic compounds, which can interfere with thyroid function.
other uses:
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
common names: Kohlrabi; German Turnip; Turnip Cabbage
family: Brassicaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Brassica
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Deciduous
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 21ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Medium
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.4 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Kohlrabi thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or aged manure. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like onions and beets can deter pests and enhance growth. Avoid planting near strawberries and tomatoes, which can compete for nutrients. Harvest when the bulbs are 5-7 cm in diameter to ensure tenderness. Store harvested kohlrabi in a cool, humid environment
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting marigolds nearby can repel nematodes and flea beetles. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic pest control methods. Regularly inspect plants and remove any affected leaves to prevent pest spread.
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