Gigante Kohlrabi
The Gigante variety of kohlrabi is known for its exceptionally large size and mild, sweet flavor. As the name suggests, Gigante kohlrabi produces bulbs that can grow to impressive dimensions, often reaching sizes much larger than other kohlrabi varieties. These bulbs have a smooth, pale green skin and tender, crisp flesh inside. Despite their large size, Gigante kohlrabi maintains a delicate flavor and texture, making it versatile for various culinary applications. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, slaws, or crudité platters, or cooked in stir-fries, soups, or roasted dishes. Gigante kohlrabi is also valued for its high nutritional content, providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Overall, it is favored by gardeners and chefs alike for its remarkable size, delightful taste, and culinary adaptability.
The Gigante variety of kohlrabi is known for its exceptionally large size and mild, sweet flavor. As the name suggests, Gigante kohlrabi produces bulbs that can grow to impressive dimensions, often reaching sizes much larger than other kohlrabi varieties. These bulbs have a smooth, pale green skin and tender, crisp flesh inside. Despite their large size, Gigante kohlrabi maintains a delicate flavor and texture, making it versatile for various culinary applications. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, slaws, or crudité platters, or cooked in stir-fries, soups, or roasted dishes. Gigante kohlrabi is also valued for its high nutritional content, providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Overall, it is favored by gardeners and chefs alike for its remarkable size, delightful taste, and culinary adaptability.
Description
The Gigante variety of kohlrabi is known for its exceptionally large size and mild, sweet flavor. As the name suggests, Gigante kohlrabi produces bulbs that can grow to impressive dimensions, often reaching sizes much larger than other kohlrabi varieties. These bulbs have a smooth, pale green skin and tender, crisp flesh inside. Despite their large size, Gigante kohlrabi maintains a delicate flavor and texture, making it versatile for various culinary applications. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, slaws, or crudité platters, or cooked in stir-fries, soups, or roasted dishes. Gigante kohlrabi is also valued for its high nutritional content, providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Overall, it is favored by gardeners and chefs alike for its remarkable size, delightful taste, and culinary adaptability.
To plant the Gigante variety of kohlrabi, follow these planting instructions:
1. **Site Selection:** Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Kohlrabi prefers well- drained soil rich in organic matter.
2. **Timing:** Plant kohlrabi seeds in early spring for a spring harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest. Kohlrabi prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.
3. **Soil Preparation:** Work the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches, removing any rocks, weeds, or debris. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and structure.
4. **Sowing Seeds:** Plant kohlrabi seeds directly into the garden bed, spacing them about 4-6
inches apart. Sow seeds thinly, covering them with a light layer of soil. Alternatively, start seeds
indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings into the garden once they have developed a few true leaves.
5. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination and early growth stages. Once established, water kohlrabi plants regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
6. **Fertilizing:** Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost when planting, and side-dress with compost or a diluted liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to provide additional nutrients.
7. **Thinning:** Once the kohlrabi seedlings have emerged and developed a few true leaves, thin them to ensure proper spacing. Thin the plants to about 6-8 inches apart to allow room for the bulbs to develop.
8. **Mulching:** Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
9. **Harvesting:** Gigante kohlrabi bulbs are ready to harvest when they reach about 6-8 inches in diameter, typically 6-8 weeks after planting. Use a sharp knife to cut the bulbs off at ground level. Leaves can also be harvested and enjoyed as greens.
10. **Succession Planting:** To enjoy a continuous harvest, sow kohlrabi seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. This ensures a steady supply of fresh kohlrabi throughout the spring and fall months.
