How to Grow Kohlrabi Knievel

Kohlrabi Knievel

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

vegetable

Kohlrabi Knievel is a fast-maturing, purple kohlrabi variety known for its exceptional stunt-like vigor and ability to produce large, sweet bulbs in a compact timeframe. The variety is prized by gardeners for its dramatic coloring and resistance to splitting, making it reliable even in variable growing conditions. Its name playfully references the daredevil stuntman Evel Knievel, evoking its robust, high-performance growing habit.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily

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Water: Consistent moisture, 1-1.5 inches per week; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent bulb cracking

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches (seeds); transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8, with spring and fall plantings in warmer zones

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Two true leaves emerge within 5-10 days; seedlings develop 3-4 leaves before becoming transplant-ready

Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light to prevent leggy growth; thin direct-sown seedlings to prevent crowding

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Purple-tinged leaves expand; bulb base begins to swell at soil level as plant develops 6-8 true leaves

Maintain consistent watering and even soil moisture; begin light fertilizing every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer; remove any damaged leaves

Bulb Development

2-3 weeks

Swollen bulb expands rapidly above soil surface, developing the distinctive smooth purple skin; leaves grow larger and more numerous

Keep soil moisture consistent to prevent cracking or bitter flavor; avoid nitrogen excess which can promote leaf growth over bulb; mulch to regulate moisture and temperature

Maturation

1-2 weeks

Bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter with firm, smooth purple skin; texture becomes tender and sweet

Monitor daily for harvest readiness; harvest before bulbs exceed 3 inches diameter for best tenderness; continue consistent watering until harvest

Harvest & Storage

Ongoing harvest window

Bulbs are ready for harvest when tennis ball-sized (2-3 inches); mature bulbs store well in cool conditions

Cut bulbs at soil level with sharp knife; remove outer leaves; store in cool (32-40°F), humid environment; properly stored bulbs keep 3-4 weeks

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets lettuce spinach kale dill chamomile onions garlic

Avoid planting near:

Tomatoes peppers eggplant fennel pole beans

Common Pests

Use row covers on young plants; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; hand-pick visible caterpillars
Use floating row covers; apply neem oil or spinosad; plant early to avoid peak flea beetle season
Spray with insecticidal soap; use strong water spray to dislodge; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
Rotate crops yearly; maintain soil pH above 6.5; remove infected plants immediately; choose resistant varieties when possible

Uses

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Raw & Roasted

Culinary

Kohlrabi Knievel bulbs have a mild, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of cabbage and turnip. Excellent sliced raw in salads, roasted with olive oil and garlic, steamed, or sautéed as a side dish. [source]

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Greens & Leaves

Culinary

The tender purple-tinged leaves are edible and nutritious, with a kale-like texture but milder flavor. Harvest young leaves for salads or sauté mature leaves as cooked greens. [source]

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Cruciferous Nutrition

Medicinal

Kohlrabi is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and glucosinolates (sulfur compounds with potential anti-cancer properties). High in fiber and low in calories, supporting digestive and cardiovascular health. [source]

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Long Storage & Preservation

Household

Kohlrabi Knievel's crack-resistant bulbs store exceptionally well in cool, humid conditions for 3-4 weeks. Can be refrigerated, frozen after blanching, or pickled for extended preservation. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt to flowering stage, kohlrabi produces attractive white or purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Excellent as a cover crop to support garden biodiversity. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter (tennis ball size) for optimal tenderness and flavor; smaller bulbs are more tender than larger ones. Cut at soil level with a sharp knife. Best harvested in the morning when bulb firmness is maximum. Can harvest outer leaves throughout growth for greens. Spring and early summer crops are sweeter; fall crops often tolerate light frost and may improve in flavor.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'kohlrabi' comes from German 'kohl' (cabbage) and 'rabi' (turnip), literally 'cabbage turnip,' though it's not a turnip at all—the bulb is a swollen stem.
🌱 Kohlrabi Knievel's purple coloring is due to anthocyanin pigments, the same antioxidants found in blueberries and red cabbage, making it both beautiful and nutritious.
🌱 Kohlrabi can go from seed to harvest in under 50 days in ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-maturing brassicas and perfect for succession planting and extending the harvest season.

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