Grow Kohlrabi from Seed

Plant kohlrabi seeds in your garden for a unique, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile vegetable. Kohlrabi may not be as commonly grown as cabbage or broccoli, but this unusual brassica deserves a place in the garden. Its distinctive above-ground bulb has a crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to a tender cabbage or turnip.

Kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw or cooked and is delicious sliced into salads, shredded into coleslaw, added to stir-fries, roasted, sautéed, or eaten fresh as a crunchy garden snack. Also known as German turnip, kohlrabi is a member of the brassica family and is related to cabbage, broccoli, kale, and other cole crops.

When to Plant Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop that grows best in mild temperatures, fertile soil, and consistent moisture. In Southern California Zones 9 and 10, plant kohlrabi seeds during the cooler months of the year for the best growth and flavor.

In areas with cold winters and frost, start kohlrabi seeds indoors approximately 5–6 weeks before the last expected frost and transplant young plants into the garden once conditions are suitable. Row covers and shade cloth can also help protect plants when temperatures become unusually cold or warm and can extend the growing season.

How to Grow Kohlrabi

For the best results, grow kohlrabi in rich, fertile soil with consistent moisture. Avoid allowing plants to become stressed by drought, as inconsistent watering can result in tough or woody bulbs.

Kohlrabi develops its characteristic bulb above the soil surface. For the most tender and flavorful harvest, harvest kohlrabi when the bulbs reach approximately 4–5 inches in diameter, depending on the variety. Larger bulbs can become fibrous or woody.

To harvest, simply cut the plant at the base just below the bulb. The leaves are also edible and can be cooked much like other leafy brassica greens.

A Unique Vegetable for the Garden

We grow kohlrabi on our farm because of its distinctive appearance, versatility, and excellent storage life. When grown during the winter, kohlrabi can often be enjoyed well into spring. Store harvested bulbs in the refrigerator for weeks and enjoy them throughout the season.

If you’ve never grown kohlrabi before, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Grow kohlrabi from seed and discover a crisp, flavorful vegetable that is just as at home in a backyard garden as it is on a farm.