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 8°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 10 - 25 cm 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
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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.
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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
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12 Mar 21, Charu (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Kings plant barn has kohlrabi seeds .i just sowed it today .
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04 Mar 21, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try NZ seeds suppliers on the internet. Or garden shops in Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc.
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22 Nov 17, Annu Aiyer (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
where to get seeds for growing kohlrabi pl
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28 Dec 17, Uta (New Zealand - temperate climate)
. Try both green and purple varieties, they're beautiful.
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02 Dec 17, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try Egmonts Seed company on line
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Try one of the garden shops like Kings or Bunnings. They should have seeds and possibly seedlings.

- Liz

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