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Tending the crop…
🥕 Vegetable
How to Grow Kohlrabi
A fast, forgiving brassica that grows a swollen, above-ground stem — crisp like an apple, mild like broccoli. Direct sow spring and fall; it's ready in 6-8 weeks.
Harvest
55 Days
Sunlight
full
Watering
moderate
Medium
in-ground, container, or raised-bed
Spacing
1 sq ft
328%
Return on Investment
One kohlrabi plant produces roughly 6 lbs. Worth $14.94 vs a $3.49 seed cost.
Practical Maintenance
- Light: Full Sun (6+ hrs/day)
- Water: Moderate — water 1-2x per week
- Spacing: 1 sq ft per plant.
Champion Varieties
Lineages for your homestead goals
Korridor
A fast, uniform green kohlrabi — bolt-resistant and dependable.
Kossak
White-fleshed, early, and sweet — a modern German standard.
Kolibri
A gorgeous purple variety with white, crisp, mild flesh.
Gigant
An aptly named giant (5+ lbs) — slower but impressive and sweet.
Guilds & Companions
Permaculture Allies
Resource Competitors
Complete Care Guide
Soil · Water · First 30 days · Monthly care · Troubleshooting · Harvest
Soil
Loose, fertile, moisture-retentive soil. pH 6.0–7.5. Kohlrabi is a fast brassica that grows a swollen stem — rich soil and steady water keep it tender. Compacted or dry ground gives woody, fibrous bulbs.
Watering
1–1.5 inches per week, consistently. Kohlrabi's whole quality is speed — any stress (heat, drought, crowding) makes it tough and pithy. Keep it growing without pause.
🗓️ The First 30 Days
- Days 1–7Direct sow 1/4 inch deep, 2–3 seeds per spot, 6 inches apart. Kohlrabi germinates fast in cool soil (50–75°F, 5–10 days) and is one of the first direct sows of spring.
- Days 8–14Thin to one strong seedling. Space 6–8 inches apart for 3-inch bulbs, up to 12 inches for giant varieties. Crowding is the #1 cause of woody kohlrabi.
- Days 15–21Mulch with straw to keep soil cool — kohlrabi wants to grow through heat without stress. Side-dress with compost or balanced feed now.
- Days 22–28Check undersides for cabbage worms daily — brassica pests find kohlrabi fast. Row cover from transplant to harvest beats spraying.
- Days 29–30Sow a second patch for fall (8–10 weeks before first frost). Kohlrabi is a two-season crop in most zones: spring and fall, both better when cool.