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     P P    

(Best months for growing Kohlrabi in USA - Zone 7a 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 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

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20 Mar 23, Deborah Johnson (USA - Zone 6a climate)
We are in zone 6 a. Would kohlrabi be a perennial here?
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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.
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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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31 May 13, Bonnie (USA - Zone 10a climate)
How far south can Kohlrabi be grow? What is the best time for planting here?
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19 Feb 23, Gene (USA - Zone 9b climate)
The green varieties grow faster than the red ones. I grow kohlrabi all winter into May under cover. Just keep it well watered and out of direct sun in June, July and most of August.
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Thanks. I have read elsewhere that it may be too warm here to grow it successfully. I hope not tho as my son has been eagerly looking forward to seeing this rather unusual veggie growing. :)

- Kat

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