Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)

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Sowing:

Seed Depth:
Germination Soil Temp:
Days to Germinate   
Date to sow Indoors:
Date to sow Outdoors:

1/4 - 1/2 inch
50 - 70 Degrees
5 - 7
Not Recommended
February or March
July 15 - September 1

Growing:

pH Range:
Growing Temp:
Spacing:
Watering:
Light:
Nutrient Req's:
Rotation:
Seed Longevity:

6.0 - 7.0
50 - 65 Degrees
6 - 8 inches staggered
Moderate
6 - 8 hours
Moderate N, P and K
Avoid cole crops
3 years

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Description


Soil

Fertilizer


Planting


Cultivation Care

Companions

Varieties

Harvest



Health Benefits

Kohlrabi is a member of the cole family.  It is grown in cooler seasons.  The edible part is a bulbous, turnip-shaped globe that sits above the soil surface. It can be eaten raw, cooked or pickled.

Kohlrabi tolerates a wide variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soils.

Heavy feeders, apply composted manures and compost teas or 1 to 2 pounds of 20-20-20 per 100 ft rows, sidedress 3 weeks later with ammonium sulphate at a rate of 1/2 cup per 10 ft row.

If planting transplants, they should be set in early April or late July.  Seeding should be done in late July.  Plants should be fertilized with a side dressing of composted manure or a balanced fertilizer.

Set transplants in April or late July.  Kohlrabi matures quickly.

Beet, bush bean, carrot, cucumber, dill, kale, lettuce, nasturtium, calendula, onion, sage, spinach and tomatoes

Aqure Star, Grand Duke, Early White Vienna and Purple Vienna

Begin harvest when base of the plant forms a ball about the size of a tennis ball. As the head gets bigger, it becomes more fibrous and is still edible, but tastes best before it reaches full maturity.  It takes 40 to 50 days to harvest and the length of harvest is 4 weeks.

Kohlrabi contains potassium, protein, fiber, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamins A and C.

> Back to the Vegetable Page

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Source: UT Extension, PB1578 - Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook