Quickstar

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Sweet and crisp from the first bite, Quickstar forms a compact, globe-like kohlrabi with a clean, tender texture and a gently peppery edge that stays pleasantly mild.

Its smooth, pale green skin and juicy interior shine in quick, high-reward harvests—ideal for fresh eating and for turning into bright, tangy preparations like slaws and quick pickles. Grow Quickstar for a fast 30-day rhythm and a harvest that feels as satisfying as it tastes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 30 DaysHabit: Rosette

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 25th
Harvest Begins	May 25th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	30
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	40
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Quickstar’s tight, juicy crunch makes it a standout for anything “fast and bright”—it holds texture in quick pickle brines and doesn’t go watery like softer brassicas. The mild peppery edge plays nicely with tang (lemon or vinegar) and creamy dairy, so it stays lively even when you dress it hard.

Best Uses

thin shaving into crunchy slaw with a sharp vinaigrette
quick pickling for tangy snappy bites
searing or roasting into caramelized edges while keeping the center crisp-tender
raw crudités—batons dunked in salty, garlicky sauces

Flavor Profile

sweet snap juicy, tender interior mild, gently peppery edge clean, cabbage-family bite without harshness

Kitchen Pairings

mustard vinaigrette lemon Greek yogurt or sour cream dill bacon or smoked ham black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes (kohlrabi), and how can I control it at home?

Watch for cabbage worms/loopers (often green) and flea beetles, which chew small shot-holes in kohlrabi leaves. Inspect plants every 2–3 days and hand-pick larvae when you see them; cover beds with a fine row cover immediately after planting to block adults. If damage starts early, use a labeled organic insecticide like Bt for caterpillars and reapply as directed after rain—avoid delaying treatment because kohlrabi skins can scar quickly.

How often should I water kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) during the main 30-day growth phase?

Keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. During the period when the swollen stem begins enlarging, let the top 1/2 inch (1 cm) dry slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly to wet the root zone. Irregular watering can cause woody texture and cracking.

How do I tell when Quickstar kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) is ready to harvest?

Harvest about 30 days from sowing (or when heads/stems reach the expected size for the variety), typically when the swollen stem is firm and about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) across. If you can still easily dent the surface with a fingernail and it feels crisp, it’s usually at peak tenderness—overgrown kohlrabi becomes fibrous and hollow. Pull the plant and trim leaves; remove soil from the bulb to keep it fresh.