Growing Kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea gongylodes : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Kohlrabi in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 10 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard
  • Mature kohlrabi
  • Green kohlrabi

The swollen stem looks like a turnip with reddish/purple cabbage leaves, usually purple or greenish white skin.

Protect from cabbage white butterflies.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Kohlrabi

Use when young.
Scrub well, cut off leaf stalks, roots and woody parts.
Young ones do not need peeling.
Can be grated raw for salads.
Or cut in pieces and steam.
Use in casseroles.

Your comments and tips

20 Mar 23, Deborah Johnson (USA - Zone 6a climate)
We are in zone 6 a. Would kohlrabi be a perennial here?
15 Apr 23, Michelle (USA - Zone 7a climate)
It will grow as a perennial, however it is technically a biennial. It will flower and set seed the second year, rather than producing another edible stem.
15 Oct 21, Viola (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can i get seedlings of kohlrabi, and what time of the year? Will it grow in Auckland? Thank you
19 Oct 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try one of the garden shops like Kings or Bunnings. They should have seeds and possibly seedlings.
01 Mar 21, Hazel proudman (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am in South Canterbury, waimate.wondering were would I be able to purchase the seeds, please
12 Mar 21, Charu (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Kings plant barn has kohlrabi seeds .i just sowed it today .
04 Mar 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try NZ seeds suppliers on the internet. Or garden shops in Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc.
08 May 20, Shar (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it okay to start sowing the kohl rabi seeds now or should I wait for a couple of months and start in August? I live in suburban Sydney
11 May 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to the kohlrabi page, set climate to sub tropical, ( eg www.gardenate.com/plant/Kohlrabi?zone=3) and read the calendar months when to plant. P in a green box means Plant or Sow seeds.
11 Jun 23, (Australia - temperate climate)
Not sure why you would suggest setting to sub-tropical when the Sydney climate is temperate.
Showing 1 - 10 of 91 comments

Hi, I have just started my garden and as I prepared the soil I found ants everywhere, but I read somewhere that putting powdered cinnamon around the garden edge would stop the ants as they apparently don't like the sticky powder as it sticks to their legs. I did and it has worked so far. Have to retouch if I overwater the area, but I'm happier without green ant bites.... The joy of my garden is the growing and reaping the rewards of fresh veggies and herbs. Because I do sometimes wonder by the time we use all our fertilisers....I think the cost is a bit high...

- Lesley Hay

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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