What To Know
- It’s a cool-season crop, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures and prefers to be planted in early spring or late summer.
- Unlike its leafy relatives, stonehead cabbage produces a swollen, edible stem that resembles a bulb or a turnip.
- You can test your soil’s pH using a home test kit or send a sample to a local agricultural extension office.
Stonehead cabbage, also known as kohlrabi, is a unique and delicious vegetable that’s gaining popularity for its crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Learning how to grow stonehead cabbage is easier than you might think, and the rewards are well worth the effort. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate this unusual yet rewarding vegetable in your garden.
Understanding Stonehead Cabbage
Stonehead cabbage is a member of the Brassica family, closely related to broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It’s a cool-season crop, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures and prefers to be planted in early spring or late summer. Unlike its leafy relatives, stonehead cabbage produces a swollen, edible stem that resembles a bulb or a turnip. This stem, often called a “kohlrabi,” is the part we eat.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are several varieties of stonehead cabbage available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few popular choices:
- Early Purple Vienna: This variety produces purple kohlrabi with a delicate flavor and is ideal for early planting.
- White Vienna: A classic white variety known for its crisp texture and mild sweetness.
- Grand Duke: This variety produces large, green kohlrabi with a slightly stronger flavor than other types.
- Kolibri: This compact variety is perfect for container gardening and produces smaller, tender kohlrabi.
When choosing a variety, consider the length of your growing season and the size of your garden. Early-maturing varieties are suitable for shorter seasons, while larger varieties might require more space.
Preparing the Soil for Stonehead Cabbage
Stonehead cabbage thrives in loose, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
1. Test the soil pH: Stonehead cabbage prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. You can test your soil’s pH using a home test kit or send a sample to a local agricultural extension office.
2. Amend the soil: If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH. To improve drainage, add compost or peat moss to sandy soil. For clay soil, add sand or compost to improve aeration.
3. Till the soil: Turn over the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, removing any weeds or debris.
4. Incorporate fertilizer: Before planting, apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 to provide essential nutrients for the growing plants.
Planting Stonehead Cabbage Seeds
Stonehead cabbage can be started from seed directly in the garden or indoors in seed trays. Here’s how to plant seeds:
Direct Sowing:
1. Sow seeds: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 inches apart.
2. Thin seedlings: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to 8-12 inches apart.
3. Keep soil moist: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Starting Indoors:
1. Sow seeds: Fill seed trays with seed starting mix and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
2. Keep warm: Place trays in a warm location with temperatures between 65-75°F.
3. Water regularly: Keep the seed starting mix moist but not soggy.
4. Transplant seedlings: Once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves, transplant them outdoors into prepared garden beds, spacing them 8-12 inches apart.
Caring for Stonehead Cabbage
Once your stonehead cabbage plants are established, they require minimal care. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Watering: Stonehead cabbage needs consistent moisture but doesn’t tolerate soggy soil. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Weeding: Keep the garden bed free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Fertilizing: If the soil is not rich in nutrients, you can apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- Pest control: Stonehead cabbage can be susceptible to pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Monitor your plants regularly and take action if you see any signs of infestation.
Harvesting Stonehead Cabbage
Stonehead cabbage is ready for harvest when the kohlrabi bulbs are firm and about 2-3 inches in diameter. You can harvest them as soon as they reach this size, or allow them to grow a bit larger for a more robust flavor.
To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the kohlrabi bulbs off at the base of the plant. You can then store the harvested kohlrabi in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoying Stonehead Cabbage
Stonehead cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Raw: Slice kohlrabi thinly and enjoy it raw in salads or as a snack.
- Roasted: Roast kohlrabi with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a delicious side dish.
- Steamed: Steam kohlrabi until tender and serve it with butter and herbs.
- Fried: Cut kohlrabi into wedges and fry it until crispy for a tasty appetizer.
- Soup: Add kohlrabi to soups and stews for a unique flavor and texture.
Tips for Success
- Start early: Stonehead cabbage is a cool-season crop, so start your seeds indoors or direct sow them in early spring.
- Provide shade: In hot climates, provide some shade for your stonehead cabbage plants during the hottest part of the day.
- Harvest regularly: Harvesting kohlrabi as soon as it reaches the desired size will encourage the plant to produce more bulbs.
- Rotate crops: To prevent soilborne diseases, rotate your stonehead cabbage with other crops each year.
Stonehead Cabbage: A Garden Delight
Growing stonehead cabbage is a rewarding experience, providing you with a unique and delicious vegetable that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. By following these tips and guidelines, you can successfully cultivate this unusual yet delicious crop in your garden.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: When is the best time to plant stonehead cabbage?
A: The best time to plant stonehead cabbage is in early spring or late summer. In cooler climates, you can plant it as early as February or March. In warmer climates, it’s best to plant it in late summer or early fall.
Q: How often should I water stonehead cabbage?
A: Water stonehead cabbage deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Q: What are some common pests that affect stonehead cabbage?
A: Common pests that can affect stonehead cabbage include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Monitor your plants regularly and take action if you see any signs of infestation.
Q: How do I know when stonehead cabbage is ready to harvest?
A: Stonehead cabbage is ready for harvest when the kohlrabi bulbs are firm and about 2-3 inches in diameter. You can harvest them as soon as they reach this size, or allow them to grow a bit larger for a more robust flavor.
Q: Can I store stonehead cabbage?
A: Yes, you can store harvested stonehead cabbage in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Store it in a plastic bag or container to keep it fresh.
