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

Your comments and tips

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17 Oct 17, Miriam Blye (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes above the ground in garden beds
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29 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Kohlrabi is botanically the same plant as cabbage. The stalks and leaves can be used in stir fries, soups and coleslaw making it very versatile.
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29 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Noel, Kohlrabi is a swollen stem, not a root, tuber or bulb and it forms above the ground. To achieve good results ensure watering is consistent to avoid stringiness or bitterness. Trust this helps.
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10 Sep 16, Raina Stevens (Australia - temperate climate)
I too would like to know where to purchase kohlrabi. Seedlings or seeds.
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16 Nov 16, Carol (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hello Raina, try here - https://www.greenharvest.com.au/SeedOrganic/VegetableSeeds/JicamaToKohlrabi.html the last two on that page, purple and white
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13 Dec 15, Bob C (Australia - temperate climate)
the seeds are available from the major seed companys at the major hardware stores
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01 Nov 15, Konrad Seidel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Lance I have Seeds of the Gigantic Verity,de are a F1 Hybrid . Seeds from hem can be hart to Raise.
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03 Sep 15, Jacob (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Can I grow it in California during September/November? -
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28 May 15, Shannon (Australia - temperate climate)
Contemplating growing a Kohl Rabi crop for my Hereford beef cattle. Any tips??
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16 May 15, srikaanthan (Australia - temperate climate)
I am a Tea planter cum farm manager from Srilanka.presantley settle down in qld.I can give free advice on growing Tea & VEGETABLES.
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Showing 41 - 50 of 91 comments
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Kohlrabi is a cool climate plant, in temperate regions you'll be better off to grow it in autumn and winter. The plant will tolerate mild frost. A growing tip. I grow mine always from seeds, and when the seedlings are 10 cm tall, only the strongest seedlings are going in the ground. Before planting time I apply dehydrated lime to the soil.To 1 m2 a handfull is enough.When I put seedlings in the ground I dig for each plant a hole, fill it with water and let it soak in the ground then comes the seedlings and make sure the roots are well covered with mud. Much faster start to grow, and always plant in evenings. (I'm living in Melbourne under the hills) On very hot summer days I pull up a "tent" above plants. During hot days the kohlrabi is having heat shock, therefore I shelter it with shade cloth. The seeds I put in "hot bed" in July August. First harvest is around Christmas. I pull out from ground as much as much required in the kitchen, it will keep growing if you let it. The variety I'm growing is able to grow to 2-3 kg in size, never get inside woody. I have a variety of kohlrabi not cultivated in Australia only few growers know this variety here. Kohlrabi gigante is the name, there are articles photos about this plant on the net.

- eddie

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