Outdoors in open ground or in larger containers or troughs
Sowing time
Late March to July - temperature
+10C/50F.
How to Sow
12mm/1/2-inch deep - very thinly - in rows 30cm/12"
apart or in groups/blocks or direct in large pots or troughs
After Germination
When the seedlings are 2.5cm/1" tall, thin to
5-7.5cm/2-3" apart. Throw away the thinnings as these do not
transplant well. Continue thinning in stages until the
plants are 15cm/6" apart
Growing on - in Pots
Keep watered. The swollen stems mature above the ground so
may need protection from birds. Feed from time to time if
growth seems very slow.
Growing on - in open ground
As above. Also, hoe regularly to keep weeds down.
Aftercare
As above
Harvesting
Start pulling when the globes are between the size of
a golf ball and tennis ball. Crops over 16-20 weeks.
Pull every other plant to allow remaining globes to get
bigger. The young leaves can also be harvested and cooked
Pests and
Diseases
Companion Plants
Aphids
Indications
Leaves distorted, yellowing and stunted
Treatment
Organic Spray with a weak solution of soapy water
Use water through a hosepipe to knock the aphids off the plants Chemical Spray with an insecticide containing Fenitrothion
Prevention
None
Club Root (not common)
Indications
Discoloured leaves which wilt in warm weather, swollen,
solid galls on roots
Treatment
None - lift and burn diseased plants
Prevention
Organic
1. Lime plot where you intend growing brassicas
2. Do not grow brassicas in the same place for 2-3 years (crop
rotation)
3. Make sure the site is well drained
Caterpillars
Indications
Holes in leaves or much of the leaf eaten away in severe
cases
Treatment
Organic Inspect plants regularly and pick off eggs or
caterpillars. The caterpillars like to lie right next to the
veins of leaves, sometimes making them difficult to find
Chemical Spray with a pesticide containing Fenitrothion
Prevention
1. Try growing crops under a net which will prevent the
butterflies/moths getting to the plant to lay their eggs
2.
Pick off and destroy eggs as soon as you see them to prevent
them from hatching
Cabbage Root Fly
Indications
Stunted growth especially seedlings. Discoloured wilted
leaves. Roots are black and rotted with maggot damage and
tunnelling and white maggots present
Treatment
Organic None
Chemical None
Prevention
1. Place a 15cm/6" diameter collar around each plant stem as
early as possible which will prevent the fly laying eggs on the
soil near the plant.
2. Grow crops under a tent of fleece
3. Dispose of affected plants and practice crop rotation in
future years
If you know aphids are a problem in your area, grow flowers such as
nasturtiums, calendula asters, dahlias, and zinnias nearby but not
too close, as aphids find them attractive so they act as a lure.
Create a bio-diverse environment by planting flowers
nearby to attract bees, ladybirds and other "friendlies". To learn more about companion planting click
here.
In the Kitchen
Storage: Cut
off the leaves. Up to 10 days in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark,
dry and airy place.
Preparing:
Remove any protruding bits then peel quite thickly. Wash in cold water.
Can be eaten raw or cooked. The young leaves can also be harvested
and cooked like spinach.
Cooking:
Bake/Roast
Slices or cubes = 30 - 40 minutes
Boil
Chunks, slices or Cubes = 8-10 minutes
Fry/Sauté
Batons, cubes or slices = 8 - 10 minutes
Microwave
Slicesor Cubes - 10-15 minutes (900g/2lb)
Steam
Chunks, slices or Cubes = 12 - 15 minutes
For more preparation and cooking information about Kohl Rabi plus lots
of recipes visit our sister site
www.recipes4us.co.uk.
