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Vegetable
Kohlrabi

Kohlrabis in Barnhill

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

A quick-growing brassica grown for its swollen stem, which tastes mild and crisp when picked young. It does best in cool UK conditions with steady moisture and protection from cabbage root fly and pigeons.

Height35cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Kohlrabi

Planting Calendar

Seed DirectNow
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FertiliseNow
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HarvestNow
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MaintenanceNow
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ObservationLater
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  1. Sow Seeds

    11 Feb – 14 Jul
    every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds around 11th February - 14th July in drills or short blocks, about deep. Sow a little at a time every 21 days for a steady run of crops rather than one large batch.

  2. Thin Seedlings

    8 May – 19 May

    From 8th May, thin seedlings so the strongest plants are left at apart. Keep the soil lightly moist so the remaining plants keep moving without checking.

  3. Protect From Pests

    13 Apr – 14 Jul

    From 13th April, cover the bed with fine mesh to keep out cabbage white butterflies and pigeons. Fit brassica collars snugly at the stem base to cut cabbage root fly damage, and check the netting after strong wind.

  4. Feed Plants

    27 Apr – 21 Oct
    every 4 weeks

    From 27th April to 21st October, feed every 28 days with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser and keep the bed evenly watered. A steady feed helps the swollen stems bulk up without turning pithy.

  5. Harvest Swollen Stems

    8 Jun – 21 Oct

    Start lifting or cutting from 8th June once the swollen stems are about across and still tender. Pick over the crop through 21st October, because older plants soon become woody and splitting is more common after dry spells.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Kohlrabi.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Kohlrabi to consider

Kolibri

Purple-skinned, reliable and quick to mature, with crisp white flesh and a good shape for the home garden.

Azur Star

A neat, purple variety that crops well in the UK and stays tender if picked promptly.

Quickstar

A fast, compact green kohlrabi that suits small gardens and gives an early crop.

Winner

A solid green variety with good standing power and dependable bulbs for summer picking.

Also in nearby towns

See how Kohlrabi timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.