Growing Kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea gongylodes : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

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

(Best months for growing Kohlrabi in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • 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 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 10 inches 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
  • Mature kohlrabi
  • Green kohlrabi

The swollen stem looks like a turnip with reddish/purple cabbage leaves, usually purple or greenish white skin.

Protect from cabbage white butterflies.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Kohlrabi

Use when young.
Scrub well, cut off leaf stalks, roots and woody parts.
Young ones do not need peeling.
Can be grated raw for salads.
Or cut in pieces and steam.
Use in casseroles.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
15 Oct 21, Viola (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can i get seedlings of kohlrabi, and what time of the year? Will it grow in Auckland? Thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Oct 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try one of the garden shops like Kings or Bunnings. They should have seeds and possibly seedlings.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Mar 21, Hazel proudman (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am in South Canterbury, waimate.wondering were would I be able to purchase the seeds, please
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Mar 21, Charu (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Kings plant barn has kohlrabi seeds .i just sowed it today .
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Mar 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try NZ seeds suppliers on the internet. Or garden shops in Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Nov 17, Annu Aiyer (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
where to get seeds for growing kohlrabi pl
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Dec 17, Uta (New Zealand - temperate climate)
. Try both green and purple varieties, they're beautiful.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Dec 17, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try Egmonts Seed company on line
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

Try on-line seed selling companies,

- anon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.