Kohlrabi, often known as turnip cabbage, is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. With its mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture, it is often used in salads, slaws, and stir-fries. The purple variety of kohlrabi is particularly striking, with vibrant color and a unique appearance. What makes this vegetable even more appealing is that it’s surprisingly easy to grow, even without a garden. Whether you live in an apartment, have a small backyard, or just prefer container gardening, purple kohlrabi is a perfect crop to grow all year round.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow purple kohlrabi in containers and small spaces, ensuring that you can enjoy fresh, homegrown kohlrabi without the need for a large garden. From selecting the right container to harvesting your crop, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Why Grow Purple Kohlrabi?

There are several reasons why purple kohlrabi is an excellent choice for home gardeners, particularly those with limited space:

  1. Compact Growth: Kohlrabi is a relatively small plant, making it ideal for container gardening or small garden beds.

  2. Versatility: It can be used in a variety of dishes, from raw salads to cooked dishes, and its mild flavor makes it easy to incorporate into different recipes.

  3. Year-Round Harvest: With the right growing conditions, purple kohlrabi can be harvested year-round, making it a reliable source of fresh produce in your home.

  4. Low Maintenance: Kohlrabi is hardy and doesn’t require extensive care, making it a great option for beginners or anyone looking for an easy-to-grow vegetable.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start planting, gather the following materials:

  • Purple kohlrabi seeds (Choose a fast-maturing variety for quicker results, like “Purple Vienna” or “Kossak.”)

  • Containers (Choose pots or grow bags that are at least 10–12 inches deep and wide enough for the plant’s roots to spread.)

  • Good-quality potting mix (Make sure the soil is light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.)

  • Fertilizer (A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer will work well for kohlrabi.)

  • Watering can (Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.)

  • Compost (Optional, for additional nutrients.)

Step 1: Choose the Right Container

One of the best things about growing purple kohlrabi is that it doesn’t require a large garden. You can grow it in containers, pots, or even grow bags. The key is to ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

  1. Container Size: Choose a container that is at least 10–12 inches deep and wide enough to allow the kohlrabi’s bulb to develop. A 5-gallon container is usually sufficient for one plant.

  2. Drainage: Ensure the container has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This will help prevent root rot and keep the soil from becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Kohlrabi thrives in rich, well-draining soil. A good potting mix will provide the necessary nutrients and structure for the plant’s growth. If you want to add extra nutrients, incorporate some compost into the mix.

  1. Soil Mix: Use a high-quality potting mix, and if you have compost, mix in a small amount to enrich the soil.

  2. pH Level: Kohlrabi prefers soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. Make sure the soil you choose has a balanced pH for optimal growth.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds or Seedlings

You can either start from seeds or buy young seedlings from a nursery. If you’re starting from seeds, it’s best to begin indoors or in a sheltered spot.

  1. Planting Seeds: If planting from seeds, sow them about 1/2 inch deep into the prepared soil. Space the seeds about 3 inches apart to give the plants enough room to grow.

  2. Transplanting Seedlings: If you’re using seedlings, plant them in the container once they’re big enough to handle. Space them about 8–12 inches apart to allow for proper growth of the kohlrabi bulb.

  3. Thinning: If you’ve planted multiple seeds in one container, thin the seedlings once they’ve developed their first few leaves, leaving only the strongest plants to grow.

Step 4: Provide the Right Growing Conditions

Purple kohlrabi thrives in moderate temperatures and needs plenty of sunlight to grow. Here’s what you need to provide for your kohlrabi plants to flourish:

  1. Light: Kohlrabi requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you’re growing it indoors or in a shaded area, consider using grow lights to supplement the natural sunlight.

  2. Temperature: Kohlrabi prefers temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. It can tolerate some cold, but it grows best in mild weather, so make sure to plant it during the right season.

  3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. However, make sure the container has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Step 5: Fertilizing and Supporting the Plants

Kohlrabi is a moderate feeder, which means it benefits from occasional fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer works well, or you can use compost for an organic option.

  1. Fertilizing: Apply fertilizer once a month or mix compost into the soil to provide continuous nutrients throughout the growing season.

  2. Supporting: Kohlrabi doesn’t require much support, but if the plant grows tall, you may need to stake it to prevent it from tipping over.

Step 6: Harvesting Your Kohlrabi

Purple kohlrabi is typically ready to harvest 60–90 days after planting, depending on the variety. The plant’s bulb should be 4–6 inches in diameter when it’s at its peak.

  1. Harvesting: Use a sharp knife to cut the kohlrabi bulb from the plant. It’s best to harvest before the bulb becomes too large, as it may become woody and tough.

  2. Storage: Once harvested, store the kohlrabi in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to two weeks if stored properly.

Conclusion

Growing purple kohlrabi at home, even without a garden, is a simple and rewarding process. With the right container, soil, and care, you can harvest fresh, delicious kohlrabi all year round. Whether you have limited space or a small patio, this vegetable is perfect for container gardening. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to enjoy this nutritious and tasty vegetable in no time. So, get started on your kohlrabi journey today and enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce!

jardin