How to Grow Kohlrabi

A cool-season brassica for the home garden across the warmer US.

Kohlrabi is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the kohlrabi page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Early White Vienna, Fast, tender pale-green bulbs (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
• Purple Vienna, Purple-skinned, white-fleshed (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 20 cm (8 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 30cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Cabbage moth and Aphids. In humid regions, Clubroot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Kohlrabi is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant kohlrabi where you garden.

See also: Kohlrabi in the plant library →

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