Kohlrabi may not be the most famous vegetable in the garden, but it’s certainly one of the most rewarding to grow. With its globe-shaped stem, crisp texture, and mildly sweet flavor, kohlrabi brings both beauty and taste to your backyard. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced grower, this cool-season crop thrives with minimal effort and delivers a nutritious harvest that stands out in both salads and cooked dishes.
Why Grow Kohlrabi in Your Garden
Kohlrabi is an excellent addition to any garden because it grows quickly, resists pests well, and thrives in cooler weather. It offers a crunchy, slightly nutty flavor that works beautifully in slaws, soups, or roasted side dishes. The plant’s rounded bulbs come in shades of green or purple and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Another advantage is its short growing season you can enjoy fresh kohlrabi just eight weeks after planting.
Materials You’ll Need
Before planting, make sure you have:
- Kohlrabi seeds or healthy seedlings
- Well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0
- Garden tools such as a trowel or shovel
- Compost or organic fertilizer
- Watering can or drip hose
- Mulch (optional but helpful for moisture control)
- A sunny garden spot or large container
Choosing the Right Variety
Kohlrabi comes mainly in two colors green and purple. The green type has a light, crisp texture with a mild flavor, while purple kohlrabi offers a slightly sweeter taste and more visual appeal. Both varieties perform equally well in similar growing conditions, so the choice depends on your taste and garden design.
Preparing the Soil
Kohlrabi prefers loose, fertile soil that drains well. Mix compost or aged manure into the soil before planting to enrich it with nutrients. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, improve aeration by adding sand or perlite. Raised beds are another great option for ensuring proper drainage and steady growth.
Planting Kohlrabi Seeds or Seedlings
You can start kohlrabi seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow them directly outdoors once the soil warms to at least 45°F (7°C).
- Sow seeds about half an inch deep
- Space each seed 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 12 inches wide
- Keep the soil moist until germination
If using seedlings, transplant them when they’re 3–4 inches tall, maintaining similar spacing.
Best Growing Location
Choose a sunny area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In warmer regions, select a spot with partial afternoon shade to prevent early bolting. Avoid soggy or compacted soil; good drainage is essential for bulb development and root health.
Watering and Feeding
Kohlrabi needs consistent moisture to grow tender, flavorful bulbs. Water deeply when the soil surface starts to dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Feed with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer when the plants reach 4–6 weeks of age and again once bulbs begin to form. This ensures steady growth and nutrient-rich yields.
Thinning and Maintenance
Once the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, thin them so each plant has at least 6 inches of space. This prevents overcrowding and promotes round, even bulbs. Keep the garden bed weed-free, apply mulch to conserve water, and inspect for pests such as aphids or cabbage worms. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for organic pest control if necessary.
Harvesting Kohlrabi
Harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs are between 2 and 4 inches wide. At this size, they’re crisp and tender. Larger bulbs can turn woody. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem at ground level. Don’t discard the leaves they’re edible and can be cooked like collard greens or kale.
Storage and Usage
Store freshly harvested kohlrabi in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. You can enjoy it raw in salads, sliced with dips, roasted, or stir-fried. Its mild sweetness and crunch make it a versatile ingredient for healthy meals.
How to Regrow Kohlrabi from Scraps
You can regrow kohlrabi from its stem base. Place the leftover bulb bottom in shallow water, ensuring it stays partially submerged. Within days, roots will begin forming. Once new leaves appear, transplant the cutting into soil to start another growth cycle.
Kohlrabi Growth Summary
| Growth Factor | Recommended Condition |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | 6+ hours daily |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, fertile loam |
| pH Level | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Watering | Consistent moisture, not soggy |
| Spacing | 6 inches between plants |
| Harvest Time | 50–60 days after planting |
| Ideal Temperature | 45°F – 75°F (7°C – 24°C) |
Final Verdict
Kohlrabi is one of the most underrated vegetables you can grow at home. It’s easy to cultivate, quick to mature, and highly nutritious. With its refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness, it adds diversity to your meals and color to your garden. By following these growing steps, you’ll be rewarded with a plentiful harvest of crisp, healthy bulbs ready for your table in just a couple of months.
Disclaimer
Growing conditions and results can vary based on climate, soil quality, and regional weather patterns. Always adjust watering, fertilizing, and planting schedules according to your local environment for the best results.
