Vegetables· Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Kohlrabi Growing Guide

Kohlrabi produces a swollen, globe-shaped stem above ground that tastes like a mild, sweet cross between cabbage and turnip. It is fast-growing, cold-tolerant, and one of the most underutilized brassica vegetables in Western agriculture.

How Long Does Kohlrabi Take to Grow?

Kohlrabi is typically ready to harvest about 55 days after planting.

55
Days to Harvest
moderate
Water Needs
full sun
Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature
12-22°C optimal
Rainfall
400-800 mm/year
Frost Tolerance
moderate
Drought Tolerance
low
Humidity
moderate tolerance
Heat Tolerance
low

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, silt loam

pH range: 6 - 6.5 (optimal: 6.3)

Drainage: good

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)moderate
Phosphorus (P)moderate
Potassium (K)moderate

Planting Guide

Planting Methods
direct seeding, transplanting
Planting Depth
1.5 cm
Plant Spacing
20 cm apart, 40 cm rows
Planting Season
early spring, late summer

Yield & Economics

Market Demand
growing
Profitability
medium
Harvests/Year
2

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

  • cabbage worm
  • flea beetle
  • aphids

Common Diseases

  • clubroot
  • black rot
  • downy mildew

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Harvest when the swollen stem reaches 5-8 cm diameter; larger kohlrabi becomes woody and fibrous, especially in warm weather.

Kohlrabi is one of the fastest brassicas from seed to harvest, making it an excellent gap-filler between other crops.

Both green and purple varieties taste the same; purple kohlrabi commands higher prices at specialty markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Kohlrabi take to grow?

Kohlrabi typically takes 55 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 5 days. The best planting season is early spring, late summer.

What soil does Kohlrabi need?

Kohlrabi grows best in loam, sandy loam, silt loam soil with a pH of 6-6.5. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Kohlrabi need?

Kohlrabi grows best at 12-22°C. Frost tolerance: moderate. Heat tolerance: low.

How much sun and water does Kohlrabi need?

Kohlrabi thrives with full sun light and moderate watering.

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