Top 20 Varieties of Kohlrabi to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Kohlrabi, a member of the brassica family, is a versatile and delicious vegetable known for its swollen, bulbous stem. With a flavor reminiscent of broccoli stems or mild cabbage, kohlrabi can be eaten raw or cooked, making it a popular addition to salads, soups, stir-fries, and roasts. It’s easy to grow, matures quickly, and thrives in cool weather, making it a great option for both spring and fall gardens. Here’s your guide to the top 20 kohlrabi varieties to grow, along with tips, facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Kohlrabi Varieties to Grow

1. Early White Vienna

• Tips: Early White Vienna grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage even growth.
• Facts: This popular heirloom variety produces light green bulbs with a mild, crisp flavor. It matures in about 55-60 days and is perfect for fresh eating or roasting.

2. Purple Vienna

• Tips: Purple Vienna thrives in full sun and moist, fertile soil. Water regularly to prevent the bulbs from becoming tough.
• Facts: Known for its striking purple skin, this variety has a crisp, mild flavor similar to broccoli stems. It matures in about 60 days and is great for fresh salads or roasting.

3. Kolibri F1

• Tips: Kolibri grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote even bulb development.
• Facts: This hybrid variety produces deep purple bulbs with tender, sweet flesh. It matures in about 45-55 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

4. Kossak

• Tips: Kossak thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly to encourage large bulb development.
• Facts: This variety produces extra-large, pale green bulbs with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 80 days and is great for fresh eating, roasting, or making slaws.

5. Azur Star

• Tips: Azur Star grows well in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water consistently to ensure tender bulbs.
• Facts: Known for its vibrant purple skin, Azur Star has a crisp texture and sweet, nutty flavor. It matures in about 50-60 days and is perfect for fresh salads or roasting.

6. Superschmelz

• Tips: Superschmelz prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to prevent the bulbs from becoming tough.
• Facts: This giant variety can produce bulbs up to 10 inches in diameter, yet it remains tender and sweet. It matures in about 80-90 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

7. Gigante

• Tips: Gigante thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender bulbs.
• Facts: This variety produces giant, pale green bulbs with a mild, crisp flavor. It matures in about 80 days and is perfect for fresh eating or roasting.

8. Delicacy White

• Tips: Delicacy White grows best in full sun and moist, fertile soil. Water regularly to promote tender bulbs.
• Facts: This variety produces small to medium-sized white bulbs with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 50-60 days and is ideal for fresh eating or sautéing.

9. Korist

• Tips: Korist thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage even bulb development.
• Facts: This hybrid variety produces light green bulbs with a tender, sweet flavor. It matures in about 40-45 days, making it one of the fastest-growing kohlrabi varieties.

10. Grand Duke

• Tips: Grand Duke grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote even bulb growth.
• Facts: This variety produces medium-sized green bulbs with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It matures in about 50 days and is perfect for fresh eating, slaws, or roasting.

11. White Delicacy

• Tips: White Delicacy prefers full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent the bulbs from becoming tough.
• Facts: This variety produces small to medium-sized white bulbs with a tender, mild flavor. It matures in about 55-60 days and is great for fresh eating or cooking.

12. Noriko F1

• Tips: Noriko grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote tender bulbs.
• Facts: This hybrid variety produces crisp, pale green bulbs with a sweet, nutty flavor. It matures in about 45-55 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

13. Cossack

• Tips: Cossack thrives in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to encourage large bulb development.
• Facts: This variety produces extra-large, green bulbs with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It matures in about 80 days and is perfect for fresh eating, roasting, or slaws.

14. Kolibri Purple

• Tips: Kolibri Purple grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure even bulb growth.
• Facts: Known for its striking purple skin, this hybrid variety has a tender, sweet flavor and crisp texture. It matures in about 50-60 days and is great for fresh salads or roasting.

15. Express Forcer

• Tips: Express Forcer grows well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage even bulb development.
• Facts: This fast-growing variety produces small, tender green bulbs with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 40-50 days, making it great for early harvests.

16. Purple Danube

• Tips: Purple Danube thrives in full sun with rich, moist soil. Water regularly to ensure tender bulbs.
• Facts: This variety produces medium-sized, deep purple bulbs with a crisp texture and mild flavor. It matures in about 55-60 days and is ideal for fresh eating, roasting, or making slaws.

17. Quickstar

• Tips: Quickstar grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote even bulb development.
• Facts: This fast-maturing variety produces small, tender green bulbs with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 35-45 days and is perfect for fresh eating or sautéing.

18. Lech

• Tips: Lech grows well in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Water regularly to prevent the bulbs from becoming tough.
• Facts: This variety produces small to medium-sized green bulbs with a mild, nutty flavor. It matures in about 50-60 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

19. Pikant

• Tips: Pikant thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure even bulb growth.
• Facts: This variety produces small, tender white bulbs with a sweet, mild flavor. It matures in about 50 days and is great for fresh eating, salads, or roasting.

20. Green Perfection

• Tips: Green Perfection grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote even bulb development.
• Facts: Known for its smooth, pale green bulbs, this variety has a crisp, sweet flavor and tender texture. It matures in about 55-60 days and is perfect for fresh salads or roasting.

Common Questions About Growing Kohlrabi

Q: When should I plant kohlrabi?
A: Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. It grows best in temperatures between 45-75°F (7-24°C).

Q: Can I grow kohlrabi in containers?
A: Yes, kohlrabi can be grown in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-16 inches deep with good drainage. Compact varieties like ‘Kolibri’ or ‘Quickstar’ are ideal for container gardening.

Q: How long does kohlrabi take to grow?
A: Kohlrabi typically takes 40-80 days to mature, depending on the variety. Early-maturing varieties like ‘Quickstar’ may be ready in as little as 35-40 days, while larger types like ‘Kossak’ may take up to 80 days.

Q: How do I know when kohlrabi is ready to harvest?
A: Kohlrabi is ready to harvest when the bulb is about 2-4 inches in diameter, depending on the variety. Harvest the bulbs while they are still tender for the best flavor and texture.

Q: How do I store harvested kohlrabi?
A: Freshly harvested kohlrabi bulbs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, kohlrabi can be frozen or pickled.