Vol. 120 (2007): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Vegetable

Growing and marketing kohlrabi at local green markets in Southeast Florida

Kenneth D. Shuler
Stephen’s Produce

Published 2007-12-01

Keywords

  • compost,
  • farmers' market,
  • garden

Abstract

The growers for Stephen's Produce began growing and marketing kohlrabi Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L., in 2001 from a 0.15-acre backyard market garden to help supply the West Palm Beach Green Market with a Saturday supply of Agarden fresh@ produce. The garden has been expanded each year. In 2006-07, 0.38 acres were under cultivation and clientele were being served at two weekend green markets. Kohlrabi (green and purple cultivars) were two of the 30 crops grown and have been included in the crop mix for the past six seasons. Planting schedules, growing and harvesting methods, yields, and sales figures will be discussed. For the 2006-07 season, 28 plantings of kohlrabi were made for the 28-week sales season that began 21 Oct. and concluded 29 Apr. Kohlrabi was cut, excessive leaves trimmed off, and lightly spray-washed the day before sales. Kohlrabi quot;bulbsquot; were generally sold for $1.00 each. In 2003-04, an average of 32 green and 19 purple kohlrabi were grown and sold each week. In 2005-06, an average of 14 green and 25 purple kohlrabi were grown and sold each week.