How to grow Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a cool weather crop that can be planted planted from autumn through to spring. Learn how to grow Kohlrabi in this garden guide!

Kohlrabi require rich, well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in. 

Plant Kohlrabi in a full sun position. 

Kohlrabi tolerates mild frost. 

Plant Kohlrabi roughly 25cm apart. 

Kohlrabi is a cool season crop that grows best in temperatures between 7 and 24°C (45–75°F).

It is usually planted from autumn through to spring, depending on your climate. 

If transplanting seedlings, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

Prepare the soil well before planting with well rotted compost and a slow release organic fertiliser. Mulch the soil after planting to retain moisture and water regularly. 

Harvest when the Kohlrabi bulb is the size of a tennis ball or slightly larger. If Kohlrabi is left in the ground too long it develops a coarse, woody texture. 

Pests that affect Kohlrabi include: Aphids, Cabbage Moth, Cabbage White Butterfly, Diamondback Moth, Flea beetle, Slug, Snail. 

Diseases that can affect your Kohlrabi plants include: Alternaria Leaf Spot, Black Rot, Club Root, Downy Mildew, Fusarium Wilt, Powdery Mildew, Sclerotinia Stem Rot.