Growing Kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea gongylodes : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S S       S S S S S S
T T T T       T T T T T
P P P           P P P P

(Best months for growing Kohlrabi in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 25 cm apart
  • Harvest in 7-10 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
02 Nov 18, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
The stem swells just above the ground. No need to hill them.
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17 Oct 17, Miriam Blye (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes above the ground in garden beds
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29 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Kohlrabi is botanically the same plant as cabbage. The stalks and leaves can be used in stir fries, soups and coleslaw making it very versatile.
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29 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Noel, Kohlrabi is a swollen stem, not a root, tuber or bulb and it forms above the ground. To achieve good results ensure watering is consistent to avoid stringiness or bitterness. Trust this helps.
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10 Sep 16, Raina Stevens (Australia - temperate climate)
I too would like to know where to purchase kohlrabi. Seedlings or seeds.
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16 Nov 16, Carol (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hello Raina, try here - https://www.greenharvest.com.au/SeedOrganic/VegetableSeeds/JicamaToKohlrabi.html the last two on that page, purple and white
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13 Dec 15, Bob C (Australia - temperate climate)
the seeds are available from the major seed companys at the major hardware stores
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01 Nov 15, Konrad Seidel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Lance I have Seeds of the Gigantic Verity,de are a F1 Hybrid . Seeds from hem can be hart to Raise.
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03 Sep 15, Jacob (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Can I grow it in California during September/November? -
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28 May 15, Shannon (Australia - temperate climate)
Contemplating growing a Kohl Rabi crop for my Hereford beef cattle. Any tips??
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Showing 41 - 50 of 92 comments
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I direct sowed in the garden at half the recommended distance to allow for seeds that didn't germinate, half my luck all seeds did. I left them rather than thin them out. The largest of my bulbs were a bit bigger than golf balls, but had lots of leaf growth coming from the bulb, I plucked the odd one or two as they reached this stage, initially I thought the majority wouldn't form a bulb but as I removed the odd one the others did eventually bulb up apart from a couple. I grew the Purple Vienna during autumn and have now left a couple to go to seed. Even though it is out of season I"m trying my luck with the White Vienna variety at the moment.

- Experimental Gardener

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