MENU

AskIFAS Powered by EDIS

Kohlrabi—Brassica oleracea L. (Gongylodes group)1

James M. Stephens 2

Kohlrabi is grown in gardens throughout the United States for the turnip-like enlargement of the stem just above ground level. Cabbage-like leaves on long stems arise from the top and sides of the round, root-like stem. The enlargement is tender and succulent, if rapidly grown and harvested, but becomes tough and fibrous with age.

Before kohlrabi is eaten, the peel is removed, and the interior is diced and boiled. The swollen stem also may be eaten raw, and leaves are edible.

Figure 1. Kohlrabi.
Figure 1.  Kohlrabi.
Credit: Moushomi B. C., CC BY-SA 3.0

Propagation and time of planting are similar to cabbage, but plant spacing is about 4 inches. Kohlrabi matures in about 60 days when started from seeds, and 40 days started from transplants. While green varieties are most common, red varieties are popular in many gardens.

Footnotes

1. This document is HS619, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 1994. Revised September 2015. Reviewed October 2018. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. James M. Stephens, professor emeritus, Horticultural Sciences Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Publication #HS619

Release Date:November 1, 2018

Related Experts

Stephens, James M.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Collections

Part of Minor Vegetable Handbook

    Fact Sheet

    Contacts

    • Danielle Treadwell