Kohlrabi in the Sunshine State: A Hilarious Guide to Growing This Bulbous Beauty
Florida: land of beaches, theme parks, and... kohlrabi? You bet! While visions of swimming with manatees might dance in your head when you think of Florida, this quirky vegetable can actually thrive in the Sunshine State with a little know-how.
So, ditch the swimsuits for a sec (although sunscreen is always a good idea) and let's get down and dirty with kohlrabi!
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| Can I Grow Kohlrabi In Florida |
What in the Brassicaceae is Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi, my friends, is a member of the cabbage family. It looks like a weird turnip that went to the gym and got all bulbous up top. But don't be fooled by its funky appearance, this veggie is surprisingly delicious with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Think: broccoli stem on steroids, but way cooler.
Can Florida's Finicky Weather Handle This Fickle Friend?
The good news is, kohlrabi is a cool-weather crop, which means Florida's mild winters are actually perfect for it. The bad news? Florida forgets it has winters sometimes. Those scorching summer months are the enemy of our bulbous buddy.
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So, the key to kohlrabi kingdom in Florida is planting at the right time.
Planting Shenanigans: When and Where to Get Your Kohlrabi Groove On
North Florida: You lucky ducks get two planting windows: October/November and then again in March/April.
Central Florida: Party time in October/November for a fall harvest, and February/March to enjoy kohlrabi in spring.
South Florida: The party's always on for you guys! Plant between November and February.
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Remember: Aim for well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine in those cooler months.
Harvesting Your Homegrown Hulk-Turnip
Patience, young Padawan! Kohlrabi takes about 2 months to be harvest-ready. You're looking for a bulb that's about the size of a tennis ball. The key is to harvest early! If you wait too long, it gets tough and woody, like that neighbor who insists on blasting polka music at 3 am.
Kohlrabi FAQs: Your Burning Bulbous Questions Answered
How to Plant Kohlrabi Seeds?
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You can either seed directly in your garden or start them indoors in pots. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
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How to Space Your Kohlrabi Plants?
Give them some breathing room! Aim for about 4 inches between each plant.
How to Keep Pests Away from My Kohlrabi?
Keep an eye out for cabbage loopers and flea beetles. You can use organic methods like insecticidal soap or row covers to deter these pesky critters.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
How to Harvest Kohlrabi?
Just use a sharp knife to cut the bulb at the base.
How to Eat Kohlrabi?
The bulb is the edible part! You can shred it raw for salads, roast it for a delicious side dish, or even try your hand at some kohlrabi kimchi!
So there you have it! With a little planning and some TLC, you can be enjoying homegrown kohlrabi in your very own Florida paradise. Now get out there and get planting! Just remember, when those pesky summer months roll around, your kohlrabi will be like "hasta la vista, baby!" until the cooler weather returns.
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