How to Grow Kohlrabi Kolibri

Kohlrabi Kolibri

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

vegetable

Kolibri is a compact, early-maturing kohlrabi variety producing small, tender purple bulbs with excellent flavor and fine texture. This dwarf cultivar is ideal for container growing and small-space gardening, reaching maturity in just 45-50 days. The mild, slightly sweet bulbs are tender even when small, making them perfect for fresh eating and cooking.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; 1-1.5 inches per week through rainfall or irrigation. Irregular watering can cause splitting and toughness.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-50 days

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplants set at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5 or similar)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8; can grow in cooler parts of zones 2 and 9

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge within 7-10 days. Seed leaves are heart-shaped; true leaves are deeply lobed.

Keep soil moist but not soggy to prevent damping-off. Thin seedlings to strongest plant once true leaves appear. Provide 12-14 hours of grow light if starting indoors.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plants develop 4-6 leaves and begin forming the swollen stem base (bulb) at ground level. Compact dwarf habit becomes apparent.

Maintain consistent moisture and provide balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for cabbage moths and flea beetles. Thin to proper spacing if needed.

Bulb Development

2-3 weeks

The purple bulb swells noticeably; leaves become larger and spread outward. The bulb develops the characteristic kohlrabi shape with stems radiating from top.

Continue consistent watering to prevent splitting. Side-dress with compost if growth slows. Check bulb size by gently feeling at soil level; Kolibri is ready at tennis-ball size (2-3 inches diameter).

Harvest Readiness

Peak harvest window is 5-7 days

Bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter with smooth, firm skin. The smaller size ensures tender, sweet flesh. Stems should be vibrant with healthy green leaves.

Harvest promptly when bulbs reach 2-3 inches; larger bulbs may become fibrous and tough. Morning harvest when plants are crisp is ideal.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lettuce spinach beets onions dill chamomile mint basil

Avoid planting near:

Fennel pole beans tomatoes potatoes strawberries other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) if space is extremely limited

Common Pests

Use floating row covers before moths appear; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; hand-pick caterpillars; remove and destroy infested leaves.
Use row covers on seedlings; diatomaceous earth dust; neem oil; yellow sticky traps; ensure consistent soil moisture to stress beetles.
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Use floating row covers; avoid planting near host crops; allow 3-year crop rotation; apply beneficial nematodes to soil.

Uses

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Fresh Eating & Tender Roasting

Culinary

At the Kolibri's ideal small size, the bulbs are tender enough to eat raw, sliced thin in salads, or lightly roasted until caramelized. The mild, slightly sweet flavor is superior to larger kohlrabi. [source]

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Vegetable Cooking (Steamed, Stir-fried, Braised)

Culinary

Peel and cube the bulbs for steaming, stir-frying with other vegetables, or braising in broth. Young greens can be cooked like collards or added to soups. [source]

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Vitamin C & Mineral Content

Medicinal

Kohlrabi is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, supporting immune function and digestive health. The glucosinolates in this cruciferous vegetable may offer anti-cancer properties. [source]

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Container & Space-Efficient Growing

Household

Kolibri's compact dwarf habit and short maturity make it ideal for container gardening, balconies, patios, and small raised beds. Even a 6-inch pot can produce multiple bulbs. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If a few plants are allowed to bolt and flower, the yellow brassica blooms attract bees and beneficial insects. The flowers are edible and have a mild cabbage-like flavor. [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 Kolibri bulbs when 2-3 inches in diameter for optimal tenderness and flavor—this is the key to this variety's premium quality. At this size, the flesh is delicate and sweet. Use a sharp knife to cut the bulb cleanly at the base. The entire plant including leaves can be harvested and eaten (leaves are edible, similar to collards). If harvesting only the bulb, cut about 1-2 inches below the bulb, leaving roots in soil. Harvest in the morning when plants are crisp. In cool climates, successive plantings every 2-3 weeks ensure continuous harvest throughout the season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Kolibri is named after the hummingbird (kolibri in German and Dutch), referring to the variety's small, delicate size and compact growth habit.
🌱 Unlike most kohlrabi varieties, Kolibri maintains its tender, sweet flavor even as the bulb grows slightly larger, making it forgiving for home gardeners who cannot harvest at the exact perfect moment.
🌱 Kohlrabi bulbs are not roots but swollen stems; the true roots grow downward, which is why you can see the bulb above soil level and why it's sometimes called a 'stem vegetable' rather than a root vegetable.

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