Kolibri

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Sweetly crisp and vividly tender, Kolibri kohlrabi forms a petite, globe-like bulb with a clean, pale green to creamy skin that feels cool and satiny under the fingers.

The flesh is fine-grained and juicy, with a mild, cabbage-kissed flavor that stays pleasantly sweet whether enjoyed fresh. Grow Kolibri for quick, satisfying harvests around 60 days—ideal for gardeners who want a crisp, refreshing centerpiece in the garden and a versatile leafy green companion at the same time.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kolibri kohlrabi is built for the kind of eating where the first bite does the talking—cool, juicy, and crisp without the harshness you sometimes get from older brassicas. Slice it paper-thin for maximum snap or cook it briefly so it turns sweet at the edges without going dry.

Best Uses

thin shaved salads with a sharp vinaigrette
quick pickle slices for snap and tang
pan-roasted chunks with browned butter for a sweet-nutty edge
blanched-and-chilled leafy greens alongside as a mild brassica side

Flavor Profile

sweetly cabbage-kissed cool, juicy crunch fine-grained, tender bite

Kitchen Pairings

lemon Dijon mustard brown butter Greek yogurt bacon feta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes), and how can I manage it?

Cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm/cabbage looper) commonly damage kohlrabi by chewing holes in leaves and tunneling into young plants. Hand-pick caterpillars early, then protect with an insect netting or row cover; if pressure is high, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and reapply according to the label. For disease, avoid wetting foliage and remove badly affected leaves to reduce black rot and other brassica leaf issues.

How often should I water Kohlrabi during the main growing phase (around weeks 3–8)?

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged while the bulb (stem swelling) forms—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dries, because irregular moisture can cause tough, woody kohlrabi and splitting. Mulch after plants establish to stabilize moisture around the bulbs.

How do I tell when Kohlrabi is ready to harvest?

Harvest about 55–65 days after sowing when the swollen stem is about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) across and feels firm. If it gets much larger, it typically turns fibrous and less sweet. For best flavor and tenderness, harvest in the morning and cut the bulb at the base.