Basics

Ease of Growing
Moderate
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
55-65 (Spring/Summer), 65-75 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Half Hardy

Kohlrabi is hardy and grows best in the cool (40-70 degree F) weather of spring and fall.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool

Kohlrabi needs full sun, and should not be planted where another Brassica has grown in the previous three years, as it can lead to disease and pest problems. Kohlrabi generally does better as a fall crop, sown 6 to 8 weeks before the first autumn frost date. Autumn Kohlrabi bulbs can be allowed to get larger than 2" to 3", because cold weather seems to keep them tender (it also increases their sweetness).

For spring planting, sow the first crop 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. You can make several succession sowings (very early sowings may be vernalized and bolt).

In cool climates, you can continue to succession sow all summer.

Outdoor Growing Temp
40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
45°F
-
Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Water
Moderate

Keep the soil evenly moist or the bulbous stems may turn woody. Fortunately this isn't often an issue with this cool weather crop.

Feeder
Light

Low nitrogen. High potassium. High phosphorous. It's a light feeding crop and doesn't need a lot of nitrogen, but it does like potassium (add greens and or wood ashes). It also likes calcium.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

While kohlrabi isn't particularly well suited for container growing, it can be done in a large container. Ideally, one that is 8-12 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide. If planting multiple plants in one container, make sure they are spaced 18-24 inches apart.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Purple
Fruit Size
3.0 - 5.0"
Plant Height
8.0 - 12.0"
Plant Diameter
6.0 - 8.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-11
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Mild and sweet, similar to broccoli.

Rotation Group
Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens