Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group
kohlrabi
A biennial plant, mostly grown as an annual vegetable - kohlrabi. This cultivated group has been selected and bred for round, enlarged parts on the pale green or purple stems. Waxy, blueish leaves growing on long stems are also edible when young. The stem enlargement is best harvested when 5-6cm in diameter. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Many different cultivars are available, varying in colour
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow seed outdoors in deep, fertile but firm, soil that isn't too acidic. If space is limited, start the seeds in modules or seedtrays and plant outside when big enough to handle easily (about 5 or 6 small leaves). Follow kohl-rabi cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetle, cabbage root fly, caterpillars, pigeons and snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. Heavy infestations of mealy cabbage aphid may also spoil the harvest.
Diseases
May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister. In areas where brassicas have been grown before, club root can build up in the soil
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.