Kohl rabi

Sow

Create a firm seed bed in any reasonably light, fertile, free draining soil. Sow seeds, 1cm (½in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart from late February (under cloches or fleece) to early March, continuing until mid-August in warmer areas.

Sow a little and often, say every three weeks, for a constant supply.

In cooler areas and where soil is heavy clay, early crops can be sown in modules, hardened off and transplanted when the soil warms up, when they are a maximum of 5cm (2in) high.

Grow

Thin out seedlings when they are 2.5cm (1in) tall or the first true leaves appear, leaving a final spacing of 15cm (6in) apart.

Keep the soil constantly moist and weed free, watering before the onset of drought.

Net or fleece young plants, to protect against birds and cabbage root fly.

Common problems

Cabbage root fly

White larvae approximately 5cm (2in) long, feed on the roots just below the soil surface, stunting growth and causing plants to wilt and die.

Remedy

Grow under insect-proof mesh or horticultural fleece. Seedlings are most vulnerable.

Flea beetle

Leaves are covered in small holes and damaged areas turn brown. Seedlings are particularly susceptible.

Remedy

Grow plants under horticultural fleece and keep the soil moist. Water in nitrogen-rich fertilser to help the crop outgrow the pest.

Club root

Roots become swollen and distorted, and leaves become pale and yellow and wilt easily. Plants may die.

Remedy

Improve drainage and add lime to make soil more alkaline. Do not grow in affected soil.

Harvesting

Harvest kohl rabi when young, between golf ball and tennis ball size. If you leave them too long they lose their flavour and tenderness.

With repeated sowings, plants can be harvested from May through to November, and the leaves can also be eaten.

Green varieties, sown from mid-spring, are ready in summer, while hardier purple varieties, sown in summer, provide autumn crops.

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