Features kohlrabi cabbage. Cultivation and care in the open field
Biennial plant tuber forms overhead due to thickening of the stem, having a flat, circular and oval. From the stem leaves grow on long stalks, with a slightly serrated edge to center.
Note!Unlike other types of cabbage in food using the lower part of the stem above ground, with tender leaves are also edible. Kohlrabi with mustard oil and tender flesh tastes great raw or stewed.
Kohlrabi can be of different types. Besides white vegetable, with light green leaves and stems, there are purple, blue-purple tuber with red and blue petioles. Preference – personal taste. Blue and purple varieties tend to grow a little more slowly than white, but longer remain soft.
Care and growing kohlrabi
The growing kohlrabi other rules apply than in other types of cabbage. Primer containing a little nitrogen, is suitable as a place to grow. Due to the short time of cultivation, the requirements for soil and nutrients in plants is relatively low, so the plant ideal for novice growers. Kohlrabi thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas, prefer evenly moist soil.
The tubers grow quickly and harvesting is carried out in a few weeks after planting young plants. The best time to plant kohlrabi – from April to July. It is possible outdoors. Can grow and seed boxes on the window sill or in the greenhouse from mid-February to early March.
Seeds are sown in potting soil and only very lightly cover with soil. For germination requires from 18 to 20 °C. After germination, the plants should be placed in a cool place, but not below 12 °C.
Watering kohlrabi
After planting small seedlings need regular watering. Watering – One of the most important measures of care for kohlrabi. Care should be taken so that the soil moisture was even and especially when it is dry, regularly watered If the plants will receive irregularly or too little water, the tubers will not develop properly, or will burst.
Additional information!To tubers do not burst, especially when strong temperature variations, can be covered with mulch the ground. Regular loosening and mulch keeps soil loose and free of weeds.
Weeds between the plants are removed, since they take important nutrients from the soil and the light from the plants.
Kohlrabi require a uniform supply of nutrients during the growing period, it is less demanding than other types of cabbage. Therefore, it is advisable to fertilize the plant with manure when planting. Subsequently, kohlrabi should not fertilize, or in the club will accumulate nitrates.
Important!For some plants have evolved well, seedlings, growing too close to each other you need to thin out such that they had plenty of room. Kohlrabi grows best at a distance of 30 cm between plants and rows.
Also, do not plant too deep, the developing tubers have not rested on the ground and began to rot. Kohlrabi should not grow, along with other types of cabbage. Recommended break in cultivation for four years.
The harvest kohlrabi
Varieties differ in the timing and duration of cultivation. Depending on the grade tubers are ready to harvest in eight to twelve weeks after planting as soon as they reach eight to ten centimeters in diameter. Since the vegetables ripen unevenly, they can collect a few approaches.
When harvesting the tubers from the stalk is cut and remove the leaves. Culture leaves contain more vitamin C, and minerals than tubers. They are good in a fresh kind in salads and steamed. They can be cut into thin strips and mix with salad or sprinkle them ready-made vegetable dish just before serving.
The tubers can be stored in the refrigerator up to a week and can be frozen. Fruits to fall asleep in the sand storage and store in a cool, frost-free place.
Diseases and pests of cabbage kohlrabi
You need to constantly check that the plants are not attacked by pests. The most common – cabbage flies, aphids and flea excavation. They should be removed, as they can seriously damage the plants. Marigold flowers are a means of pest – the smell deters them. The plants are well protected from the snails, which like leaves.
Fungal diseases – downy mildew from which helps watering infusion of horsetail. Holes in the leaves usually come from the cabbage butterfly caterpillars. Defeats cabbage weevil – ball-shaped growths on the main roots of the plants. Attaching nets for protection against pests of vegetables will help.
Tips for growing kohlrabi
Vegetables do not require special landing sites, especially for those who do not have enough space in the garden. 
- When harvesting the tubers are cut with a sharp knife or shears just above the base of the stem;
- An early kohlrabi is particularly juicy, if not wait until the tubers reached its final size, and harvest one to two weeks earlier.
The plant matures quickly, has a small bush, while most vegetables develop slowly and fill a large space.
Benefits
Spring vegetables can bring a lot of health benefits. Due to the high content of vitamins C, A, B1 and B2 vegetables are very useful. Vegetable protein strengthens muscles, B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, ensure beautiful skin and strong nerves. There is also a high proportion of minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium.
Kohlrabi can be used in many dishes. Due to the low fat content it is very suitable for diet.
Fresh vegetables from the garden incomparably delicious.
