Kohlrabi is an annual vegetable in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) that is grown for its edible stem and leaves. The stem is round and bulbous, and the leaves are broad and succulent. The stem is usually white or purple, but some varieties have green or yellow stems. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The flavor of kohlrabi is similar to that of a turnip or cabbage. Kohlrabi is high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or added to soups and stews.
Planning Your Garden With Kohlrabi
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Kohlrabi is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Kohlrabi is hardy in USDA Zones 3-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Kohlrabi is a cold-tolerant vegetable and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20. |
| Days to harvest | Kohlrabi can be harvested in as little as 40-50 days after planting. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown kohlrabi plant is about 4-6 inches in diameter. |
| Spacing requirements | Kohlrabi prefers a spacing of 4-6 inches between each plant, with 12-18 inches between rows. |
| Sun tolerance | Kohlrabi is a fairly sun-tolerant vegetable, and can handle full sun for most of the day. It is best to give it some afternoon shade during the hottest parts of the summer to prevent the leaves from wilting. |
| Shade tolerance | Kohlrabi is a shade tolerant vegetable, meaning it can tolerate some shade, but it will perform best when grown in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Kohlrabi requires moist, well-drained soil to grow successfully. It should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to provide 1-2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing kohlrabi depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. If you are using a slow-release fertilizer, apply it at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing kohlrabi is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Kohlrabi is Popular
People like to grow kohlrabi because it is easy to grow, has a mild taste, and is a versatile vegetable. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any diet.
Companion Plants For Kohlrabi
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for kohlrabi include:
Common Pests For Kohlrabi
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow kohlrabi, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- cabbage loopers
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
