How to Grow Kohlrabi

easyGardening40 days7 steps

Safety Warnings

Avoid getting nitrate of soda on the leaves of the plants, as it will burn them.

stainless steel hand trowel — for planting seeds and transplanting

floating row covers — to protect from early insect infestations

nitrate of soda — fertilizer(as needed)

kohlrabi seeds — Terek or similar variety(1 packet)

Prepare well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.

Tip: To reduce disease, do not plant kohlrabi or other cole crops in the same location more than once every three to four years.

Sow seeds either indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after the last frost.

Tip: For fall crops, direct seed about three months before the expected fall frost.

Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 18 to 30 inches apart.

Tip: Germination typically occurs within 4 to 10 days.

Thin plants to a spacing of 6 to 18 inches depending on the variety.

Tip: Eat or transplant the thinnings.

Provide regular, consistent moisture and apply nitrate of soda as a fertilizer.

Tip: Ensure the fertilizer does not touch the foliage.

Protect plants from cabbage worms, flea beetles, and aphids using floating row covers or companion planting.

Tip: Plant nearby onions, dill, or nasturtiums to repel pests.

Harvest the bulbs once they reach the desired size (up to 6 inches in diameter).

Tip: Terek variety holds quality in the field without getting woody.

Avoid planting near tomatoes, strawberries, or fennel, as these can stunt kohlrabi growth.
Kohlrabi is generally less susceptible to pest damage than other cole crops.
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours) is ideal for development.

Synthesized from 7 verified sources:

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Wind River Greens Plant DatabaseView →

Cornell ExtensionView →

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Gutenberg: Home Vegetable GardeningView →