How to Grow Kohlrabi

Quick Guide to Growing Kohlrabi

For a spring harvest, plant kohlrabi 4 weeks before the last frost.
Space kohlrabi 9 to 12 inches apart in an area with plenty of sun and rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8.
Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter.

Is kohlrabi easy to grow?
How long does it take to grow kohlrabi?
How do you start kohlrabi?
Can you grow kohlrabi from cuttings?
Does kohlrabi need full sun?
How do you know when Kohlrabi is ready to harvest?
Do you peel kohlrabi before cooking?
How tall does kohlrabi get?
What are the benefits of eating kohlrabi?
Should I fertilize kohlrabi?
Can you direct sow kohlrabi?

Is kohlrabi easy to grow?

Kohlrabi is easy to grow and fast to mature, which makes it a great choice for fall or early spring planting. German for “cabbage turnip,” kohlrabi is a member of the extensive cabbage family.

How long does it take to grow kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi is a cool-weather crop. Sow kohlrabi seed in the garden 3 to 4 weeks before the last average frost date in spring. Kohlrabi requires 45 to 60 days to reach maturity and should be grown so that it comes to harvest before temperatures average greater than 75°F (23.9°C).

How do you start kohlrabi?

When starting kohlrabi from seeds, plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep in rows that are 2 feet apart. Seedlings will emerge within 4-7 days and should be thinned to 4-6 inches apart in the row. Depending upon the variety, kohlrabi will be ready to harvest 40-60 days from planting.

Can you grow kohlrabi from cuttings?

You can cut the kohlrabi at the base, leaving the root in the ground, or pull the entire plant. If you want to continue to harvest leaves, you may want to choose the cutting method.

Does kohlrabi need full sun?

In fall, plants “hardened” by gradual exposure to cool weather are tolerant of frost. Kohlrabi that matures in cool weather is deliciously sweet. Kohlrabi needs at least 6 hours of full sun each day; more is better. Give it fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of rich organic matter.

How do you know when Kohlrabi is ready to harvest?

Most kohlrabi varieties are harvested between 60 and 65 days after planting, although as soon as the “bulb” reaches the size of a tennis ball, it's ready to be picked. Because kohlrabi prefers cool weather, planting the seeds too late in the season results in a woody, dry harvest.

Do you peel kohlrabi before cooking?

Wise words from Brad: "Always peel the bulb, because the outside layer is rather fibrous and unpleasant. It won't break down after being cooked." Use a sharp knife to remove the skin, as it's too thick for a traditional vegetable peeler. Kohlrabi is equally tasty raw or cooked.

How tall does kohlrabi get?

Harvest kohlrabi is when the first stem is 1 inch (2.5 cm.) in diameter. Kohlrabi can be continuously harvested, up until the stems are 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm.)

What are the benefits of eating kohlrabi?

Health benefits of kohlrabi

Kohlrabi contains a wide array of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, anthocyanins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates. ...
Diets high in antioxidant-rich vegetables like kohlrabi are associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, metabolic disease, and premature death ( 12 ).

Should I fertilize kohlrabi?

Fertilizer. Kohlrabi is a heavy feeder. It's better to feed the plants continuously by enriching the soil with amendments that improve tilth than to add chemical fertilizers. Add manure at planting time, and side-dress rows with compost until harvest.

Can you direct sow kohlrabi?

You can direct-seed kohlrabi seeds in a well-prepared seedbed, or start seedlings in small containers indoors and transplant them to your garden when they are 3 to 4 weeks old.