Kohlrabi is one of those vegetables you rarely see in big supermarkets. Once gardeners or chefs start growing it, however, they usually fall in love with its crisp texture and sweet, mild flavour. Because it offers something different from the usual Brassicas, it quickly becomes a favourite. If you’re looking for a crop you can’t simply pick up from the shops, kohlrabi is an excellent choice for both gardeners and food lovers.
Kohlrabi (often called “German turnip”) is part of the Brassica family, along with cabbage, broccoli and kale. Instead of forming a head or florets, it produces a round, swollen stem above the soil. This bulb can be green or purple and is topped with tender, edible leaves.
The flavour resembles a broccoli stem, yet it’s milder, sweeter and juicier. When eaten raw, it stays firm and crisp. When cooked, it softens into a buttery, delicate texture. Because it handles different cooking methods so well, kohlrabi is incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
Why Grow Kohlrabi Instead of Just Buying Vegetables?
A specialty crop that rewards home gardeners
- You can’t rely on supermarkets. Kohlrabi is still a niche crop, and when it appears on shelves it is often old or limited in supply.
- Unique and impressive. Its alien-like bulbs and vivid colours make it a standout in the garden and on the plate.
- Two crops in one. Enjoy crunchy bulbs plus nutrient-dense greens.
- Fast harvest. Most varieties mature in 8–10 weeks, giving you a quick and rewarding crop.
- Ideal for small spaces. Compact plants fit easily into raised beds, wicking beds and containers.
For growers who love unusual produce—or anyone frustrated by limited supermarket offerings—kohlrabi is the perfect “grow it yourself” vegetable.
Nutritional Benefits: A Functional Food for Everyday Meals
Gut-friendly, hydrating and rich in Vitamin C
Kohlrabi is more than tasty; it’s a nutrient-dense super-vegetable that fits beautifully into modern, health-focused cooking. It offers:
- Vitamin C for immune support and skin health.
- Fibre to improve digestion and increase fullness.
- Potassium and magnesium to support muscle and heart function.
- Low calories while remaining incredibly satisfying.
Because it is crisp, hydrating and high in fibre, kohlrabi works well in gut-friendly salads, ferments and slaws. Its versatility makes it an ideal vegetable for anyone wanting more functional foods in their diet.
How Does Kohlrabi Grow?
Quick overview of growing conditions in Australia
Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop. It thrives in mild to cold weather and tends to bolt if temperatures get too hot. It prefers:
- Full sun (at least 6 hours light per day)
- Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost
- Consistent moisture to prevent woody bulbs
Most varieties are ready to harvest in about 8–10 weeks, making kohlrabi a great option for succession planting in autumn, winter and early spring.
Click here for the full ‘How to Grow Kohlrabi’ guide
Companion Plants and Bed Design (Overview)
Turn one crop into a mini ecosystem
A well-designed kohlrabi patch can become a mini ecosystem. By combining companion plants that support soil health and deter pests, you increase yield and reduce maintenance.
- Root crops like beetroot open up compact soil.
- Alliums such as onions and leeks help deter pests.
- Herbs like dill and sage attract beneficial insects and add flavour in the kitchen.
- Pollinator and green manure mixes support long-term soil health and biodiversity.
Read the full Kohlrabi Companion Planting Guide
How to Cook Kohlrabi (Overview)
From crunchy salads to cosy soups and ferments
Kohlrabi shines in the kitchen because you can prepare it raw, roasted, sautéed, mashed or fermented. You can:
- Shave it thinly into salads and slaws.
- Roast it with other root vegetables.
- Add it to soups, stews and stir-fries.
- Turn it into oven-baked kohlrabi fries.
- Use it in kimchi and quick ferments for a tangy, probiotic boost.
Explore detailed Kohlrabi recipes and cooking ideas
From Specialty Crop to Garden Staple
Although not as common as cabbage or broccoli, kohlrabi combines unique flavour, quick growth, culinary versatility and problem-solving potential for a wide range of garden types—including small spaces and clay soil.
Instead of relying on whatever is available in the supermarket, you can grow your own crisp, fresh kohlrabi at home. Additionally, pairing it with compatible seeds boosts both soil health and productivity, giving you the foundation for healthier eating and a more diverse kitchen garden.
Build Your Kohlrabi Bed with Related Seeds
Kohlrabi, companions and soil improvers
To build a well-designed growing space, consider adding supporting crops such as:
- Kohlrabi seed varieties in both green and purple.
- Beetroot, onions and leeks to strengthen the bed.
- Dill, sage and herbs to attract beneficial insects.
- Pollinator and green manure mixes for long-term soil health.
Buy Kohlrabi Seeds & Companion Plants
Ready to grow your own fresh, crunchy kohlrabi at home? You can buy premium Kohlrabi Seeds directly from our store — perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
Click here to buy Kohlrabi Seeds
Recommended companion seeds from Seedmart
- Beetroot ‘Red Detroit’ Seeds – excellent root companion for shared beds.
- Onion ‘Brown Odourless’ Seeds – natural brassica pest deterrent.
- Dill ‘Bouquet’ Seeds – beneficial insect attractant.
- Beneficial Insect & Bee Mix – boosts biodiversity.
- Pollinator Green Manure Mix – ideal for improving heavy clay or depleted soils.
- Leek ‘Large American Flag’ Seeds – gentle pest deterrent and excellent companion for Brassicas.
- Sage Herb Seeds – repels cabbage moths and attracts beneficial pollinators.
Quick links to Kohlrabi guides
Now that you’ve discovered what kohlrabi is, you can dive deeper into growing, companion planting and cooking ideas.
👉 How to Grow Kohlrabi (step-by-step guide)
👉 Best Companion Plants for Kohlrabi
👉 How to Cook Kohlrabi (recipes & ideas)