Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Kohlrabi

Unusual brassica producing a tender, crisp bulb above ground. Tastes like a mild, sweet broccoli stem. Fast from seed.

Sun

Full sun (6+ hours)

Water

1 inch per week

Days to Harvest

45-60

Difficulty

beginner

Spacing

Frost Tolerance

moderate

The Short Answer

Kohlrabi are cold-tolerant and actually prefer cooler growing conditions. You can direct sow seeds 2 weeks before your last frost date — one of the earliest crops you can plant. Or start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost for an even earlier harvest. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is the most underrated vegetable in the garden — the crisp, sweet, turnip-shaped bulb that forms above ground tastes like broccoli stem crossed with an apple. Harvest at 2-3 inches across for the most tender texture; larger bulbs become woody and fibrous. Purple varieties (Kolibri) are milder than green. Fast maturity (45-60 days) makes kohlrabi excellent for succession planting and for filling gaps between other crops. Peel the outer skin before eating. Raw kohlrabi sticks with dip are a revelation for anyone who's only eaten it cooked.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Begin kohlrabi seeds indoors 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 45°F to germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 45°F. Harden off seedlings for 5 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Direct Sowing

Kohlrabi can be direct sown 2 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.5" deep, spaced 6" apart.

Fall Planting

Kohlrabi are planted in fall, 8 weeks before your average first frost date. Plant 0.5" deep, 6" apart.

Growing Tips

Harvest when bulbs are 2-3 inches across — larger ones become woody. Peel and eat raw like an apple, or roast. Purple varieties are milder than green. Fast enough for succession planting.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Beets Onions Cucumbers

Keep away from:

Strawberries Tomatoes

Kohlrabi Planting Dates by State

Click your state for kohlrabi planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026