Kohlrabi is the quirky, quick brassica — you eat the swollen stem, crisp and mild like a sweet turnip, and it's ready in half the time of most of its cousins.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun
- Spacing: 20–25 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
- Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks
When to plant: Kohlrabi grows best in the cool — sow from late summer through winter, and spring in cooler areas. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing them in a raised bed: Plant into rich mix and keep growth steady — a check makes the bulb woody. It's a brassica, so netting keeps the cabbage-white caterpillars off.
Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for a crisp, tender bulb; feed for steady growth.
Common pests: keep an eye out for caterpillars and aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.
Common diseases: the main ones are downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.
Companion plants: Beetroot and aromatic herbs are good neighbours; keep it away from strawberries. See our companion planting guide.
Harvest and storage: Harvest when the bulb is tennis-ball sized — bigger and it turns woody. Eat it raw and crisp, or cooked like turnip.
More growing guides: cabbage, brussels sprouts and turnips.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: GT1976, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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