Holly's Homestead — Brassica
Kohlrabi
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes · Brassica family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 50–70 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown or seedling
MATURITY 50–70 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
20–25cm
Depth
1cm
01A stem that swells like a bulb
The edible part of kohlrabi is actually a swollen stem sitting just above soil level, not a root — an unusual growth habit among the brassicas.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow or transplant seedlings.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, moderately fertile.
Timing
Sow in cooler months for the best texture.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Keep soil evenly moist — irregular watering causes woody bulbs.
- Harvest at the right size — overgrown bulbs turn tough.
- Net against cabbage moth.
- Mulch to keep the swelling stem cool and moist.
04Problems
- Cabbage moth — net or hand-pick.
- Woody texture — harvested too late; pick at tennis-ball size.
- Splitting — irregular watering.
- Clubroot — rotate beds, keep pH up.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Bulb reaches 5–8cm across — larger varieties can go bigger without toughening.
Method
Cut at the base just below the swollen stem.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, 2–3 weeks.
Preserving
See Fermenting (sauerkraut and fermented brassicas) or Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionBeetrootAvoid nearby
TomatoRotation note
Rotate brassicas on a 3–4 year cycle.
