Kohl rabi
This unusual looking vegetable tastes like a turnip with a slightly crisper texture. They like cool, damp conditions to grow well.
| Growing calendar | |
|---|---|
| Sow indoors | Feb - Jul |
| Plant out | Mar - Apr |
| Sow outdoors | Apr - Jul |
| Harvest | June - Nov |
This fast-growing bulbous vegetable isn't widely available in the shops so is worth growing at home. Bulbs can be pale green, white or purple skinned.
How to grow kohl rabi
Regularly sow kohl rabi seed 1cm deep in rows then thin or transplant seedlings to 15-30cm apart. Choose fertile soil and a sunny site.
Water your kohl rabi plants regularly in dry weather for steady growth - too little water produces woody flesh.
Boost with a general organic fertiliser if needed.
Harvesting kohl rabi
Dig up swollen base stems when still small (golf ball to tennis ball size) and grate into salads or saute. You can also harvest as baby veg and eat the leaves.
Tips for growing kohl rabi
- Check your kohl rabi regularly as the plants mature quickly!
| Growing notes | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Germination time | 10 days |
| Average time to harvest | 8-12 weeks (or six weeks for baby veg) |
| Equipment needed | None |
| Average plant size | 30cm tall, 20cm wide |
| Family group to grow with | Brassica: eg broccoli, rocket |
| Key nutritional content | Vitamin C, folate |
| Seed saving notes | Biennial, needs isolation |