How to Grow Kohlrabi

You may have seen this oddly shaped knobby vegetable at your local supermarket or grocer and had no idea what it was, or how to use it. With its unique, sometimes alien like shape, Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that tastes similar to broccoli. It can be enjoyed either raw in salads or cooked in soups, roasts, or stir-fries.

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained

Suitable for all climatic zones

8 - 10 weeks

Seeds can be sown in all climates from late summer to autumn and again in early spring. Check the plant label for further detail

How to grow kohlrabi in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well drained soil. Enrich with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Sow seed direct into the soil, planting them in clumps of 2-3 seeds, 10-15cm apart with 30-40cm between rows. Cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don't dry out.

Step 3

Water regularly. Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings at each clump to the strongest. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Harvest by pulling the bulbs early or when the bulbs are between 5-7 cm in diameter. Sow successive crops every 4-5 weeks to extend your harvest window.

How to grow kohlrabi in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 300mm wide and deep and position in a sunny spot. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Sow seed direct into the soil, planting them in clumps of 2-3 seeds. Cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix and water well.

Step 3

Water regularly. Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings at each clump to the strongest. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

Harvest by pulling the bulbs early or when the bulbs are between 5-7 cm in diameter. Sow successive crops every 4-5 weeks to extend you harvest window.

Growing tips

Do not mound the soil around the base. The root system can easily hold the mass above ground and mounding can cause the plant to rot.
Bigger is not better when it comes to kohlrabi. The smaller the size the tastier it is.