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.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, silt loam
pH range: 6 - 7.5 (optimal: 6.5)
Drainage: good
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- cabbage worm
- flea beetle
- aphids
Common Diseases
- clubroot
- black rot
- downy mildew
Use 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 6-7.5. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Kohlrabi need?
Kohlrabi grows best at 12-22°C. Frost tolerance: moderate. Heat tolerance: low.
What is the expected yield for Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi yields approximately 18,000 kg/hectare under good conditions. Multiple harvests per year are possible (2).
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