How long does it take to grow kohlrabi?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Gardeners who grow *kohlrabi* can expect quick and gratifying results. Most kohlrabi varieties reach maturity in roughly 45 to 60 days, although the actual time to maturity varies based on variety and climate. For example, the early-maturing White Vienna variety can produce tender bulbs in 50 days, while winter storage types of kohlrabi, such as the Kossak Hybrid, require 80 frost-free days before harvest. Growers can expect rapid growth in the 60 to 75°F temperature range if the goal is bulb formation and no bolting occurs.
Soil & pH Balance
- Ideal pH: 6.0-7.5 prevents nutrient lockout
- Amend clay soils with 30% sand for drainage
- Test soil 4 weeks pre-planting with digital meters
Watering Rhythm
- 1-1.5 inches weekly via drip irrigation
- Use finger test: Moisture at 2-inch depth
- Mulch with straw to reduce evaporation
Success in growing crops depends on effective pest management. Early summer brings swarms of flea beetles, creating holes in leaves. I apply neem oil at the first sighting, and I mix it at a rate of 2 tbsp per gallon of water and always spray in the evening or early nightfall. Row covers are highly effective for blocking cabbage moths, and they only need to be removed during bloom to allow pollinators access.
Flea Beetles
- Signs: Pin-sized holes on seedlings
- Solution: Spray garlic-chili repellent weekly
- Trap crops: Radishes lure beetles away
Cabbage Worms
- Signs: Ragged leaf edges, green frass
- Solution: Release trichogramma wasps
- Handpick eggs from leaf undersides
Harvest when bulbs are solid with clean skin, twist them up, or cut stems off with a hori-hori knife. Store unwashed, in bags with holes, at 36°F. For winter, shred and freeze, the slices that have been blanched; my grandmother's method retains structure when used for soup or stir-fry.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kohlrabi: Complete Beginner's Guide
