Growing Kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea gongylodes : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

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

(Best months for growing Kohlrabi in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 25 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
14 Sep 24, Allan (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I direct sewed 15 Mar 24. The seed came up really quickly and I progressively thinned. They should have been ready in 60 days but they reached winter and never formed a bulb. Now its spring and whilst there is a little swelling at the base the plants are actually going to seed. Ive been using the tops and leaves in casseroles. Not sure why they never formed the bulb, possibly overcrowding??
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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
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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.
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11 Jun 23, (Australia - temperate climate)
Not sure why you would suggest setting to sub-tropical when the Sydney climate is temperate.
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17 Jan 20, Carol (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
When is best time to grow kohlrabi in Auckland?
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10 Nov 19, Duana (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, my kohl rabi have failed to form the swollen tuber. They are 30cm tall and long stems, have been in the ground for 10 weeks, planted out from seedlings I raised myself and look really healthy. In raised garden bed, full sun, new soil and surrounded by successful snow peas, lettuce, broad beans and radish crops. What have I done wrong ?
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06 Oct 19, Viv Forbes (Australia - temperate climate)
where can we buy vegie seeds on internet?
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08 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try on-line seed selling companies,
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03 Jul 19, Josephine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Live in Hervey Bay qld growing kohl rabi was wondering what pest would bite big chunks out of bulb not eating leaves
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04 Jul 19, Janette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Could be one of our natives such as Bandicoot which dig down to eat roots of plants.
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Which is the best way to sow my kohlrabi seeds straight into the garden or planting pots in the sun room? Thanks

- Miriam Blye

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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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