Growing kohlrabi: a round stem above the soil

Choose by flavour, shape and use

Azur Star: Azur Star is early kohlrabi with a blue-purple exterior and white interior. The slightly flattened swelling grows above ground. Peel the swollen stem for raw strips or cut it into pieces for cooking. The coloured skin does not represent the whole interior.

The product source describes a mild, nutty flavour. This offers a concrete point of reference without making every growing result identical.

Delikatess blauw: Delikatess blauw has a blue swollen stem and purple-green leaves. The source describes later development than Delikatess wit. Use peeled bulbs raw in a salad or cook in small pieces. Cut into an older bulb first to assess its texture.

No separate aroma description is confirmed for this cultivar. General kohlrabi use is better supported than a distinctive flavour claim.

Delikatess wit: Pale kohlrabi with edible swelling above ground. The source emphasises tenderness. Thinly slice peeled stems raw or add cubes to stew. Young harvesting gives more preparation freedom.

The product source describes a good flavour without a specific aroma profile. Tenderness is a texture characteristic and does not prove extra sweetness.

The swollen bulb is actually a stem

Kohlrabi does not form an underground root tuber like some other vegetables. The round swelling grows above ground and carries leaves. Do not bury it or earth up the plant to get a larger bulb. Green and purple are visible variations; desired harvest size and texture also depend on cultivar.

Choose a suitable small sowing round

Kohlrabi suits moderate conditions. Follow variety timing and avoid prolonged cold for young raised plants. A meal portion needs no whole bed sown at once. A short row gives a manageable trial of growth speed and harvest size.

Sow directly or move a whole root ball

Direct sowing is easy in a ready bed. Modules make early care manageable, but do not leave plants root-bound in small cells. Harden off and transplant intact root balls at roughly their existing depth, growing point free.

Thin before the stems touch

Young harvests may allow about 15 cm between plants; large varieties need more. Match variety and desired size and thin promptly. Spacing matters especially in containers with shared limited soil and leaves hiding moisture checks.

Let growth continue steadily

Water at bases during drought. Major moisture swings can reduce quality and interrupt growth. Check below surfaces, especially during swelling. Weed shallowly. Soil preparation before growing is more useful than repeated emergency feeding during stress.

Inspect holes and distortion closely

Tiny young-leaf holes may be flea beetles; larger damage needs caterpillar checks. Use closed mesh if needed and inspect beneath. Poor growth can reflect cold, drought or roots. Whole-plant and detail photos help distinguish causes.

Harvest young kohlrabi before it turns tough

Many ordinary varieties suit eating around 5–8 cm across. Some large varieties stay tender longer; consult specific data. Cut swollen stems and remove coarse leaves. Do not let the largest plant set all timing. Compare smaller and larger kohlrabi in cooking.

Use the fresh leaves too

Cook healthy young leaves as cabbage greens. Peel the swollen stem and eat raw or cooked. Cool and use promptly for fresh texture. Note your preferred size beside the row as guidance for the next sowing.