How to Grow Kohlrabi Kolibri Purple
Kohlrabi Kolibri Purple
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
vegetableKolibri Purple is a compact, early-maturing kohlrabi variety with distinctive deep purple bulbs and tender, mild-flavored flesh. This small-bulbed cultivar is perfect for home gardeners and small spaces, producing golf ball-sized stems in just 45-50 days. The vibrant purple color makes it as ornamental as it is delicious.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; can grow year-round in zones 9-10
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; first true leaves emerge as tiny coyledons unfold. Seedlings are delicate with 2-3 true leaves visible.
Maintain soil temperature 60-70°F. Provide 12-14 hours of bright light daily if starting indoors. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2 true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant establishes 4-6 true leaves; stem begins thickening at base. Leaves are deeply lobed and blue-green in color with prominent veining.
Water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Provide consistent moisture during this critical phase. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for flea beetles and apply organic controls if needed. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Bulb Development
2-3 weeksThe stem base swells rapidly into a round, purple bulb. Leaves continue growing but energy shifts toward bulb enlargement. Bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter.
Maintain consistent moisture—critical for preventing cracking and hollow centers. Do not let soil dry out. Continue light fertilizing every 3 weeks. Remove any yellowing lower leaves. Keep weeds controlled to reduce competition.
Maturation & Harvest Readiness
1 weekBulbs achieve golf ball size (2-3 inches diameter) with smooth, firm purple skin. Leaves remain healthy and vibrant. The bulb feels solid when squeezed gently.
Do not allow bulbs to exceed 3 inches—they become woody and tough with hollow centers. Harvest promptly at optimal size. Continue watering until harvest to maintain quality. Stop fertilizing 2 weeks before harvest.
Common Pests
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Use row covers on seedlings. Apply neem oil or spinosad spray. Mulch heavily. Plant nasturtiums as trap crop nearby.
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Hand-pick caterpillars. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray every 7-10 days. Use floating row covers.
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Practice crop rotation (3-4 year break from brassicas). Maintain pH above 6.5. Remove infected plants immediately. Lime soil if needed.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Use row covers. Apply beneficial nematodes to soil before planting. Avoid fresh manure. Keep area weed-free.
Uses
Tender Raw Snacking & Slaws
CulinaryWhen harvested small at 2-3 inches, Kolibri Purple bulbs are perfectly sweet and tender for raw consumption. Slice thinly for slaws, julienne for salads, or eat raw as crudités with dips. The mild, slightly sweet flavor and delicate texture are ideal when young. [source]
Roasting & Braising
CulinaryQuarter or halve the bulbs and roast with olive oil until caramelized and tender, or braise in vegetable stock with herbs. The purple variety develops a rich, earthy flavor when cooked. Also delicious steamed and served with butter and herbs. [source]
Leaf Greens
CulinaryYoung kohlrabi leaves are edible and nutritious when cooked like kale or chard. Use tender leaves in sautés or soups. This provides dual harvesting—both bulb and greens from one plant. [source]
Nutritional Support & Antioxidants
MedicinalKohlrabi contains vitamin C, potassium, and cancer-fighting glucosinolates found in all brassicas. It supports immune function, bone health, and may reduce inflammation. Purple varieties contain additional anthocyanin antioxidants. [source]
Ornamental Garden Accent
HouseholdThe vibrant deep purple bulbs and blue-green foliage make Kolibri an attractive addition to ornamental vegetable gardens and container plantings. Use as a striking display in raised beds or potagers alongside edible flowers. [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 for peak tenderness and flavor—this is the 'Kolibri' advantage. Use a sharp knife to cut bulbs at the soil line, leaving roots in ground. Harvest in the morning when plants are hydrated. Do not allow bulbs to exceed 3 inches, as they become fibrous and woody. For continuous harvest, succession plant every 2 weeks. In hot climates, harvest before temperatures exceed 80°F to maintain tender quality. Bulbs store for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kolibri means 'hummingbird' in German, referring to the variety's compact, jewel-like appearance. It's one of the smallest kohlrabi cultivars ever developed, making it perfect for small-space and container gardening.
- 🌱 The purple color comes from anthocyanin pigments, the same compounds found in blueberries and purple cabbage—making it both visually striking and nutrient-dense.
- 🌱 Kohlrabi is neither a root nor a bulb—it's a swollen stem. If you miss the harvest window, the same plant will regrow smaller bulbs if you cut it back to 2 inches above soil.
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