Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi

Scientific Name:
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Family:
Brassicaceae

Varieties:

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Introduction

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes, commonly known as kohlrabi, is a biennial vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is a cultivar of the wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and shares its species with other vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Kohlrabi is valued for its edible stem and leaves, offering a mild, sweet flavor similar to broccoli or cabbage but with a crisper texture. Its scientific classification includes the preferred scientific name Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes Linnaeus.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Kohlrabi is characterized by its swollen, nearly spherical stem, which can grow up to 10 cm in diameter before becoming woody. The plant matures in about 55 to 60 days after sowing. Varieties like ‘Gigante’ can achieve larger sizes while maintaining edibility.
• Growing Conditions: Kohlrabi thrives in temperate climates and can be grown in hydroponic systems, making it suitable for controlled environments.
• Lifecycle: As a biennial, kohlrabi typically completes its lifecycle over two years. In the first year, it develops its edible stem and leaves. In the second year, it blooms and produces seeds.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Kohlrabi is potentially beneficial for space cultivation due to several factors: - Compact Growth: Its compact size and fast growth rate make it suitable for controlled environments like those found in space habitats. - Nutritional Value: Kohlrabi is rich in vitamins and minerals, providing essential nutrients for astronauts on long-duration missions. - Hydroponic Suitability: Its ability to thrive in hydroponic systems aligns well with the closed-loop agricultural systems often proposed for space missions.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

Currently, there is no specific information available on the cultivation of kohlrabi in space. However, its characteristics make it a promising candidate for future space agriculture projects. Space agencies and researchers have been exploring various Brassica species for their potential in space cultivation due to their nutritional value and adaptability to controlled environments. While kohlrabi itself may not have been directly involved in space experiments, its relatives like broccoli and cabbage have been studied for their potential in space agriculture.