Kohlrabi not forming bulbs - Ask Extension
Hello, I rent a garden plot in the Baltimore City Farms at Rockrose. I tried planting kohlrabi last fall and again this spring. Both times, I got a ...
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Kohlrabi not forming bulbs #757142
Asked June 18, 2021, 9:46 PM EDT
Hello, I rent a garden plot in the Baltimore City Farms at Rockrose. I tried planting kohlrabi last fall and again this spring. Both times, I got a nice crop of leaves but no bulbs. I’d amended the soil with manure, peat moss, compost, and worm castings. Any ideas? I love to eat kohlrabi, and it’s difficult to find for purchase, so I’d love to be growing my own. I also grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, and multiple herbs, and I’ve had no problems with those, apart from hungry groundhogs. Thank you!
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- kohlrabi is ready to harvest 40-45 days after direct seeding. If plants are healthy and lower stems don't enlarge or enlargement is delayed, the problem could be due to one or more factors, such as close spacing (plants should have a final spacing of >10-in.), excessive nitrogen level (less likely), rapidly changing and extreme weather conditions, and uneven soil moisture.
You may also want to try one or two new cultivars. Good luck with the garden this summer!
Jon
