How to Grow Kohlrabi Quickstar

Kohlrabi Quickstar

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

vegetable

Kohlrabi Quickstar is a fast-maturing cultivar of kohlrabi, a brassica vegetable that forms a swollen, turnip-like stem bulb above ground. Known for its tender, mild flavor and rapid growth, this variety is ideal for successive plantings and gardeners seeking quick harvests. The bulbs reach maturity in just 45-50 days, making it one of the fastest varieties available.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent splitting and ensure tender bulbs. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-50 days from transplant

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants set at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure peat moss balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons for tender bulbs

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-10 days

Tiny cotyledons emerge; true leaves begin to unfold. Plant is small and delicate.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light if growing indoors. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.

Vegetative (Leaf Growth)

10-15 days

Multiple compound leaves develop and grow upward; the stem base remains relatively thin at this stage.

Water regularly and maintain consistent moisture. Begin fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for aphids and cabbage worms.

Bulb Initiation & Swelling

15-20 days

The stem thickens above soil level, forming the characteristic bulb. Leaves continue to grow outward from the expanding bulb.

Maintain even watering to prevent cracking. Increase nitrogen slightly if bulbs appear slow to develop. Continue pest monitoring.

Bulb Development

10-15 days

Bulb rapidly enlarges and becomes firm. Leaves reach full size. Bulb should be 2-3 inches in diameter at harvest readiness.

Reduce watering slightly if weather is wet to prevent splitting. Avoid excessive nitrogen. Apply consistent moisture for tender bulbs. Watch for maturity regularly.

Harvest Ready

Harvest window is narrow; 3-7 days

Bulb reaches 2-3 inches diameter; skin becomes smooth and waxy. Plant is crisp and tender at this stage.

Harvest promptly when bulbs reach desired size; larger bulbs become woody and fibrous. Early harvest encourages tenderness and mild flavor.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

beets carrots lettuce chard onions spinach dill parsley

Avoid planting near:

tomatoes peppers eggplants fennel mustard cabbage broccoli cauliflower

Common Pests

Row covers over young plants; hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
Row covers on seedlings; diatomaceous earth; neem oil; avoid excessive nitrogen
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-pick; row covers; encourage parasitic wasps
Root barriers or collars around transplants; diatomaceous earth at soil level; avoid fresh manure; rotate crops

Uses

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Fresh Vegetable Cuisine

Culinary

Kohlrabi bulbs are eaten raw in salads, slaws, and as crudités with a crisp, tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of broccoli stems. The young, tender leaves are also edible and can be steamed, sautéed, or added to soups like kale or collards. [source]

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Roasting & Cooking

Culinary

Bulbs can be roasted, steamed, boiled, or stir-fried. Roasting brings out natural sweetness; peeled and diced bulbs cook quickly in soups and stews. [source]

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Quick Succession Gardening

Household

Quickstar's 45-50 day maturity allows gardeners to plant successive crops throughout the growing season for continuous harvests. Ideal for spring and fall plantings in temperate climates. [source]

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Nutritional & Health Benefits

Medicinal

Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and glucosinolates (compounds with potential cancer-fighting properties). Low in calories and contains beneficial plant compounds supporting digestive and immune health. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt and flower (rarely in quick-harvest cultivars), kohlrabi produces small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The foliage also supports beneficial insects like lacewings. [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 (5-7 cm) in diameter, typically 45-50 days from transplanting. Smaller bulbs are more tender and flavorful; larger bulbs become woody and fibrous. Cut bulbs at the base with a sharp knife, leaving stem attached. Can be harvested at various sizes for succession eating. Store harvested kohlrabi in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F, 90% humidity) for up to 3-4 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'kohlrabi' comes from German: 'kohl' (cabbage) + 'rabi' (turnip), though it is neither a cabbage nor a turnip—it's a unique brassica with an above-ground bulb.
🌱 Quickstar was bred specifically for speed and tenderness, making it a favorite for market gardeners and home gardeners who want rapid, reliable harvests without long waits.
🌱 The entire plant is edible: the bulb, the stems, and the leaves all have culinary value, making kohlrabi one of the most efficient vegetables for garden productivity.

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