RutabagaBrassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Rutabaga

Rutabagas

1. Brassica oleracea convar. acephala var. gongylodes
2. Brassica oleracea var. caulo-rapa

1. Gongylodes
2. Kohl-rabi
3. Kohl Rabi
4. Calarabi
5. Gongylodes Group
6. Kolrabi
7. Kohl rabi
8. Knolkhol
9. Turnip cabbage
10. German turnip

1. Gongylodes
2. Kohl-rabi
3. Kohl Rabi
4. Calarabi
5. Gongylodes Group
6. Kolrabi
7. Kohl rabi
8. Knolkhol
9. Turnip cabbage
10. German turnip

1. Kohlrübe (Wien)
2. Rübkohl (Schweiz)

1. NameKohlrübe

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Steckrübe

   Clarification

   'Kohlrübe' in German can also refer to rutabaga (Brassica napus subsp. rapifera).

1. kohlrabi
2. german turnip
3. turnip cabbage
4. kolrabi
5. gongylodes
6. brassica oleracea

Cabbage family

1. Cabbage
2. Broccoli
3. Cauliflower
4. Kale
5. Brussels sprouts
6. Collard greens
7. Savoy cabbage
8. Gai lan

1. Stem tuber
2. Leaves

Kohlrabi is a staple of the vegetable garden, prized for its short growing cycle and the mild, nutty flavor of its above-ground stem tuber. It is an ideal introductory vegetable, especially for children.

1. Tasksow_indoor

   Label

   Pre-cultivate kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 2
   2. 3
   3. 4

   Conditionfrost-free environment, sufficient light

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For an early harvest, sow in seed trays or small pots from February.

1. Tasksow_indoor

   Label

   Pre-cultivate kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 2
   2. 3
   3. 4

   Conditionfrost-free environment, sufficient light

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For an early harvest, sow in seed trays or small pots from February.

2. Taskplant_out

   Label

   Plant out early sets

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 5

   Conditionafter hardening off, protect from late frosts

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Hardened-off seedlings can be planted out in March under fleece or foil protection.

1. Tasksow_indoor

   Label

   Pre-cultivate kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 2
   2. 3
   3. 4

   Conditionfrost-free environment, sufficient light

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For an early harvest, sow in seed trays or small pots from February.

2. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8

   Conditionsoil temperature above 8°C, no severe night frosts expected

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Direct sow outdoors in rows or blocks. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

3. Taskplant_out

   Label

   Plant out kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 5

   Conditionafter hardening off, no severe late frosts expected

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Plant out hardened-off seedlings into the garden once severe frosts are no longer expected.

4. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8
   6. 9

   Conditiondry weather, especially during tuber development

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender tubers and prevents splitting or woodiness.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8

   Conditionsoil temperature above 8°C, no severe night frosts expected

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Direct sow outdoors in rows or blocks. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

2. Taskplant_out

   Label

   Plant out kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3
   2. 4
   3. 5

   Conditionafter hardening off, no severe late frosts expected

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Plant out hardened-off seedlings into the garden once severe frosts are no longer expected.

3. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8
   6. 9

   Conditiondry weather, especially during tuber development

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender tubers and prevents splitting or woodiness.

4. Taskfertilize

   Label

   Side-dress

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7

   Conditionplants established and growing well

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Kohlrabi is a heavy feeder. Side-dressing with compost or organic fertilizer promotes growth.

5. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditiontubers reach desired size (5-10 cm diameter)

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest when tubers are about fist-sized for best quality. Don't wait too long, or they will become woody.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8

   Conditionsoil temperature above 8°C, no severe night frosts expected

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Direct sow outdoors in rows or blocks. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

2. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8
   6. 9

   Conditiondry weather, especially during tuber development

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender tubers and prevents splitting or woodiness.

3. Taskfertilize

   Label

   Side-dress

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7

   Conditionplants established and growing well

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Kohlrabi is a heavy feeder. Side-dressing with compost or organic fertilizer promotes growth.

4. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditiontubers reach desired size (5-10 cm diameter)

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest when tubers are about fist-sized for best quality. Don't wait too long, or they will become woody.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8

   Conditionsoil temperature above 8°C, no severe night frosts expected

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Direct sow outdoors in rows or blocks. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

2. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8
   6. 9

   Conditiondry weather, especially during tuber development

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender tubers and prevents splitting or woodiness.

3. Taskfertilize

   Label

   Side-dress

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7

   Conditionplants established and growing well

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Kohlrabi is a heavy feeder. Side-dressing with compost or organic fertilizer promotes growth.

4. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditiontubers reach desired size (5-10 cm diameter)

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest when tubers are about fist-sized for best quality. Don't wait too long, or they will become woody.

1. Tasksow_outdoor

   Label

   Direct sow kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8

   Conditionsoil temperature above 8°C, no severe night frosts expected

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Direct sow outdoors in rows or blocks. Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

2. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8
   6. 9

   Conditiondry weather, especially during tuber development

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender tubers and prevents splitting or woodiness.

3. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditiontubers reach desired size (5-10 cm diameter)

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest when tubers are about fist-sized for best quality. Don't wait too long, or they will become woody.

1. Taskwater

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5
   3. 6
   4. 7
   5. 8
   6. 9

   Conditiondry weather, especially during tuber development

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is crucial for tender tubers and prevents splitting or woodiness.

2. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditiontubers reach desired size (5-10 cm diameter)

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest when tubers are about fist-sized for best quality. Don't wait too long, or they will become woody.

1. Taskharvest

   Label

   Harvest kohlrabi

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   Conditiontubers reach desired size (5-10 cm diameter)

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest when tubers are about fist-sized for best quality. Don't wait too long, or they will become woody.

Full sun to partial shade

Beneficial, but not essential

A sunny location promotes growth, but good yields are also possible in partial shade, especially for summer crops.

Deep, humus-rich, loose

Well-drained

Loamy-humus

Kohlrabi prefers well-prepared soil with a high humus content that retains water well but does not become waterlogged.

Regular and consistent

At the base, keep leaves dry

Consistent water supply is crucial, especially during tuber development, to prevent splitting or woodiness.

Compost, organic complete fertilizer

Base fertilization before planting, side-dressing during growth

As a heavy feeder, kohlrabi benefits from good nutrient supply. However, over-fertilization with nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth.

Due to its membership in the Brassica family, a crop rotation of at least 3-4 years should be observed to prevent diseases.

1. NutrientBor

   Symptoms

   Hollow stems, cracks in the tuber, thickened petioles, poor storage quality.

   Prevention

   Balanced fertilization, avoiding excessive nitrogen and potassium, liming acidic soils.

2. NutrientKalzium

   Symptoms

   Stunted growth, hollow or cracked tubers, wilting symptoms.

   Prevention

   Adequate soil liming, avoiding drastic fluctuations in soil moisture.

3. NutrientMagnesium

   Symptoms

   Yellowing between leaf veins (chlorosis), especially on older leaves.

   Prevention

   Use of magnesium-containing fertilizers (e.g., Epsom salt) if needed, avoiding acidic soil.

Nutrient deficiencies often occur with unbalanced fertilization or unfavorable soil pH values. A soil analysis can provide insights.

1. Problem

   Hollow tubers

   Causes

   1. Rapid growth with inconsistent watering
   2. Nutrient imbalance (too much nitrogen, too little potassium or boron)

   Prevention

   Consistent watering, balanced fertilization, variety selection.

2. Problem

   Woody tubers

   Causes

   1. Harvesting too late
   2. Drought stress
   3. High temperatures during growth

   Prevention

   Timely harvest, consistent watering, cultivation during cooler periods or in partial shade.

3. Problem

   Splitting tubers

   Causes

   1. Inconsistent watering (sudden watering after drought)
   2. Rapid growth

   Prevention

   Consistent soil moisture through regular watering and mulching.

Physiological disorders are often due to environmental factors or nutrient imbalances. Good cultivation practices minimize these risks.

1. Cabbage root fly
2. Flea beetles
3. Slugs
4. Cabbage white butterfly (caterpillars)
5. Aphids

1. Clubroot
2. Downy mildew
3. Blackleg

1. Observe crop rotation (at least 3-4 years break for cruciferous plants).
2. Site selection: Sunny to partial shade, sheltered from wind.
3. Soil improvement: Humus-rich, loose, well-drained.
4. Consistent watering, especially during tuber development.
5. Balanced fertilization, tailored to needs and organic.
6. Choose disease-resistant varieties.
7. Harden off seedlings and protect from pests (e.g., with crop protection nets).
8. Remove and dispose of infested plants early.
9. Good garden hygiene (clean tools, remove plant debris).

Diagnosing problems in kohlrabi requires careful observation of symptoms on leaves, stems, and tubers, as well as consideration of growing conditions and crop rotation.

1. Slugclubroot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Soil compaction
   2. High soil moisture
   3. Acidic to neutral pH (below 7.0)
   4. Consecutive cultivation of susceptible crucifers

   Affected parts

   1. Roots (thickening, deformation)
   2. Entire plant (stunted growth, wilting)

   Prevention

   1. Strict crop rotation (at least 4 years break for crucifers)
   2. Soil liming to raise pH (target pH 7.0-7.5)
   3. Improve soil drainage
   4. Use healthy seedlings
   5. Cultivate resistant varieties (if available)

   Organic control

   1. No direct biological control possible, focus on prevention.
   2. Remove and destroy infected plants.
   3. Improve soil with compost to promote healthy soil microorganisms.
2. Slugdowny_mildew

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Wet leaves for extended periods
   3. Moderate temperatures (15-20°C)
   4. Poor air circulation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves (yellowish spots on the upper side, whitish-gray mold on the underside)
   2. Young shoots

   Prevention

   1. Good air circulation through adequate plant spacing
   2. Water at the base, keep leaves dry
   3. Remove affected leaves
   4. Observe crop rotation

   Organic control

   1. Sprays with plant extracts (e.g., horsetail).
   2. Application of copper-based products (only for severe infestations and according to regulations).
3. Slugflea_beetle_damage

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Dry, warm weather
   2. Young, freshly germinated plants
   3. Missing or insufficient crop rotation

   Affected parts

   1. Young leaves (small, round holes)
   2. Seedlings (can be eaten off)

   Prevention

   1. Cover young plants with crop protection nets.
   2. Promote rapid emergence (good soil preparation, consistent moisture).
   3. Plant radishes as trap crops.
   4. Observe crop rotation.

   Organic control

   1. Hand-picking (for low infestation).
   2. Application of neem-based products.
   3. Strengthen plants through good growing conditions.

1. Symptom

   Swollen, gall-like roots or root collar

   Possible causes

   1. clubroot

   First checks

   1. Check soil pH.
   2. Review the bed's crop rotation history.
2. Symptom

   Small, round holes in young leaves

   Possible causes

   1. flea_beetle_damage

   First checks

   1. Inspect plants for small, jumping beetles.
   2. Consider weather conditions (dry, warm).
3. Symptom

   Yellowish spots on leaf tops, whitish-gray mold on leaf undersides

   Possible causes

   1. downy_mildew

   First checks

   1. Assess humidity and leaf wetness.
   2. Check temperature conditions.

Diagnosing problems in kohlrabi requires careful observation of symptoms on leaves, stems, and tubers, as well as consideration of growing conditions and crop rotation. Confusion with other cabbage varieties or similar symptoms is possible.

1. Germination
2. Leaf development
3. Tuber formation
4. Flowering (in second year)
5. Seed maturity (in second year)

Kohlrabi is typically harvested in its first year, before the plant flowers and the tuber becomes woody.

1. May
2. June
3. July
4. August
5. September
6. October

Stem tuber

1. Young leaves

Harvest the tubers as soon as they reach the desired size (approx. 5-10 cm diameter), before they become woody. The young leaves can also be harvested and used.

Continuously, depending on sowing time and need.

1. Tuber size (approx. 5-10 cm diameter)
2. Tender texture of the tuber

Remove leaves (some young leaves can be left), clean tubers, and store in a cool place.

Cool and moist

Fresh: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator; Cool and moist (root cellar): 1-2 months.

1. Freezing (blanched)
2. Pickling
3. Cooking
4. Drying (rare)

Root vegetable storage (cool, dark, moist)

In the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. In a cool, moist cellar or packed in sand for up to 2 months. Blanched and frozen for up to 12 months.

1. Freezing (after blanching)
2. Pickling in vinegar
3. Fermenting
4. Pureeing

1. Raw in salads or as a snack
2. Steamed or boiled as a side dish
3. In soups and stews
4. Gratinated or baked
5. Prepare leaves like spinach

Mild, slightly sweet, nutty, crisp, with a delicate cabbage flavor.

1. Apples
2. Carrots
3. Potatoes
4. Cream sauces
5. Dill
6. Parsley
7. Nutmeg
8. Lemon juice

The outer skin of the tuber should be removed before consumption, especially for older or larger specimens. Young, tender tubers can also be used with the skin. The tender leaves can be prepared like spinach or kale.

1. Stem tuber
2. Young leaves

1. Woody or very old tubers (hard to digest)
2. Flowering stem (not toxic, but fibrous)

Kohlrabi is non-toxic. Like all cruciferous vegetables, it contains glucosinolates, which in large quantities may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Yes, excellent raw in salads or as a snack.

At least 800-1600 meters distance from other flowering Brassica oleracea varieties (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) or cultivation under insect-proof netting.

Approx. 4-6 weeks after flowering.

Harvest seed pods when they are dry and brown, but before they split open. Dry further in a dry place, then extract seeds from pods.

Cool, dry, and dark in airtight containers.

Kohlrabi is an outcrosser and readily cross-pollinates with other Brassica oleracea varieties. Strict isolation is required for true-to-type seeds. Plants must overwinter to flower and set seed in the second year.

To maintain genetic diversity, at least 6-10 plants should be used for seed saving. Larger populations ensure better diversity.

Very high risk of cross-pollination with all other varieties of Brassica oleracea (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) that are flowering simultaneously.

Seeds can transmit diseases like blackleg or downy mildew. Only collect seeds from healthy plants.

For breeding, careful selection of parent plants based on desired traits (tuber size, tenderness, disease resistance) is important.

Overwintering kohlrabi for seed saving requires protection in colder climates (e.g., in a cold frame or with thick mulch).

Kohlrabi is a herbaceous biennial plant grown as an annual crop and does not possess woody characteristics. Therefore, details for woody crops are not applicable.

Low ecological value as an annual crop; however, flowering plants in the second year are good nectar sources for bees.

1. Never plant kohlrabi deeper than they were in the pot, or the tuber will develop poorly.
2. Mulching with grass clippings keeps the soil consistently moist.

Start pre-cultivation on the windowsill.