A vegetable that most are unfamiliar with, the kohlrabi looks somewhat like a turnip, but grows above ground. As a member of the Brassica family of plants, the kohlrabi is actually a type of cabbage, and is closely related to brussel sprouts, kale, and broccoli. In areas where the majority of the growing period is cooler, kohlrabi will quickly thrive and mature in a home garden, and is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C.

So you’ve decided to plant kohlrabi in your fantasitc garden, nice! According to our research on kohlrabi, we don’t recommend planting pepper, pole beans, tomato, and strawberries nearby.

Kohlrabi plants may be set out about 4 weeks prior to the last frost to be hardened. When choosing where to plant your kohlrabi, pick a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Well-drained soil amended with organic compost should be added to the bed prior to planting, and a thick layer of mulch should be spread to retain moisture in the soil. The bulbs of the kohlrabi require a steady supply of water to develop to full size, and should be watered with 1 to 2 inches of water weekly, depending on local rainfall amounts.

A kohlrabi crop is ready to be harvested when the bulb of the plant reaches anywhere from 2-4 inches in diameter. Cut the bulb from the stem about an inch below, and remove the leaves. The leaves can be used in stir-fry or salad, and the bulbs may be cooked like turnips, or shaved and eaten raw.