🥬🌱 When to Plant Kohlrabi in the UK

🥬 Introduction: Kohlrabi Is Fast-Growing but Very Timing-Sensitive

Kohlrabi is a quick-growing brassica grown for its crisp, swollen stem rather than roots or leaves. It thrives in cool conditions and can be harvested young for the best texture and flavour. However, poor timing is the main reason kohlrabi becomes woody, tough, or bolts. Understanding when to plant kohlrabi in the UK is key to producing tender, mild bulbs rather than oversized, fibrous ones.

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📅 Best Time to Plant Kohlrabi in the UK

Kohlrabi grows best in cool, steady conditions.

Main sowing windows:
✔ March to May
✔ July to August

Avoid sowing during peak summer heat unless plants can be kept cool and well-watered.

🌱 Spring Sowing (March–May)

✔ sow from March under cover or once soil warms
✔ transplant outdoors from April
✔ harvest from May to June

Spring crops grow quickly but must be harvested young.

🌱 Early Summer Sowing (May–June)

✔ reliable period in most regions
✔ steady growth in mild temperatures
✔ harvest from June to July

These sowings give the best balance of speed and quality.

🌱 Late Summer Sowing (July–August)

✔ ideal for autumn harvests
✔ cooler nights improve texture
✔ harvest from September to October

Late sowings often produce the sweetest, most tender stems.

🌡️ Soil Temperature and Growing Conditions

Kohlrabi grows best when:

✔ soil temperature is 8–18°C
✔ soil is fertile, light, and moisture-retentive
✔ watering is consistent

Any drought stress quickly leads to woody stems.

🌍 Regional Differences Across the UK

Cold Areas (Scotland, northern England, higher ground)

✔ start sowing from April
✔ focus on late summer crops

Mild Areas (southern England, coastal regions)

✔ sow from March
✔ longer growing window overall

Local temperatures are more important than fixed calendar dates.

🪴 Growing Kohlrabi in Containers

✔ well suited to pots and raised beds
✔ containers at least 20–25 cm deep
✔ space plants evenly

Container growing helps control moisture and harvest timing.

❄️ How Kohlrabi Handles Cold and Heat

✔ tolerates light frost
✔ cool weather improves flavour
✔ heat causes rapid bolting and toughness

Kohlrabi performs best in spring and autumn.

🚫 Common Kohlrabi Growing Mistakes

❌ sowing during hot weather
❌ letting soil dry out
❌ overcrowding plants
❌ harvesting too late

Harvest bulbs when they reach golf-ball to tennis-ball size.

🌟 FAQs

What month do you plant kohlrabi in the UK?

Kohlrabi is usually sown from March to May and again from July to August.

Can kohlrabi be grown in summer?

Yes, but only with consistent watering and cooler conditions.

How long does kohlrabi take to grow?

Typically 6–10 weeks from sowing to harvest.

Does kohlrabi need full sun?

Full sun in cool weather, light shade in warm conditions.

Why is my kohlrabi woody?

This is usually caused by heat, drought stress, or harvesting too late.