Growing Kohlrabi

When to Plant Kohlrabi

• Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop, so it is best grown in the cooler weather of spring or fall. In warmer regions such as the southern U.S., it may be grown as a winter crop, too.
• For an early to mid-summer harvest, sow kohlrabi seeds indoors in early spring, 6 to 8 weeks prior to your last spring frost date. Stagger plantings every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest. Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors, too.
• Alternatively, sow seeds directly into the garden once soil temperatures have reached at least 45°F (7°C).
• For a fall or winter harvest, sow seeds outdoors in mid- to late summer.

Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site

• Plant in full sun. 
• Nutrient-rich, well-draining soil will produce the best results.
  • Tip: Because it can be grown in shallower soils, kohlrabi is a great alternative to turnips or rutabagas. 
• Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0), though kohlrabi is tolerant of slightly alkaline soils (7.0 to 7.5), too.
• Avoid planting kohlrabi where other vegetables in the Brassica family have been grown in the previous 2 or 3 years. This helps to prevent the spread of disease and nutrient deficiencies.
• Kohlrabi isn’t a heavy feeder, but will benefit from having a bit of aged manure or compost worked into the soil prior to planting. Use about 1 inch of fertilizing material per 1 square foot of soil.

How to Plant Kohlrabi

• Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep.
• In rows, space kohlrabi seeds about 2 inches apart, thinning to about 6 inches apart once seedlings have emerged. Space rows themselves 10 to 12 inches apart.

Watch a video on planting and growing kohlrabi: