How to Grow Kohlrabi 'Ysero'

Kohlrabi 'Ysero'

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

vegetable

Kohlrabi 'Ysero' is a modern F1 hybrid variety of kohlrabi known for its uniform, pale green bulbous stems and excellent flavor. It matures quickly and consistently, making it ideal for both home gardeners and commercial production. The tender, mild-flavored bulbs can be harvested young or left to grow larger while remaining sweet and succulent.

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: Consistent moisture, 1-1.5 inches per week; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Irregular watering causes tough, pithy bulbs.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-55 days

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

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile 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 →

Best in zones 4-8; can be grown in cooler and warmer zones with timing adjustments

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with two cotyledons and develop first true leaves within 7-10 days

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant when 2-3 true leaves appear.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple true leaves and begins swelling the stem base. Bulb formation begins underground while leaf growth continues above.

Maintain even moisture and consistent temperatures (55-75°F ideal). Begin light fertilization every 2-3 weeks. Watch for pest activity, especially cabbage worms.

Bulb Development

2-3 weeks

The swollen stem becomes visible above soil as a spherical or slightly flattened bulb. Leaves continue expanding around the bulb base.

Keep soil consistently moist—water stress during this stage causes splitting and tough texture. Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer. Hoe away any soil covering the developing bulb so it expands freely.

Harvest Readiness

1-2 weeks

Bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter, remaining tender and sweet. Variety 'Ysero' maintains excellent quality at this size.

Begin harvesting when bulbs are small (2-3 inches) for the most tender texture, or wait until 4-5 inches for a fuller harvest. Earlier harvesting encourages continuous side-shoot development.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

beets spinach chard onions garlic lettuce bush beans cucumber

Avoid planting near:

tomatoes potatoes peppers fennel strawberries other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower)

Common Pests

Use row covers, hand-pick larvae, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if needed; encourage beneficial wasps
Use row covers on young plants, reflective mulches, or spinosad spray; maintain adequate moisture
Use yellow sticky traps, spray water to dislodge, neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
Spray strong water stream, release ladybugs, use neem oil or insecticidal soap
Improve soil drainage, avoid planting brassicas in same spot for 4-5 years, use resistant varieties when possible, lime acidic soil

Uses

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Fresh vegetable cooking

Culinary

Kohlrabi bulbs can be peeled and eaten raw in salads for a sweet, crisp texture, or cooked by steaming, roasting, or sautéing. The tender leaves are also edible and nutritious, with a mild cabbage-like flavor suitable for cooking or adding to salads. [source]

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Roasting and sautéing

Culinary

'Ysero' bulbs hold their shape and tender texture when roasted with olive oil and seasoning, or sliced thin and sautéed. The mild flavor pairs well with garlic, lemon, and herbs. [source]

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Nutritional and dietary benefits

Medicinal

Kohlrabi is high in vitamin C, fiber, and various antioxidants. It supports digestive health and may help reduce inflammation due to compounds like sulforaphane. [source]

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Vegetable storage and preservation

Household

Fresh harvested kohlrabi bulbs keep 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. They can also be blanched and frozen for longer-term storage. [source]

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Pollinator-friendly crop

Wildlife

When left to bolt and flower (if allowed past harvest), kohlrabi produces attractive yellow flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden. [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 bulbs when 2-3 inches in diameter for peak tenderness and flavor, or up to 4-5 inches while still eating quality remains good. Cut bulbs at the base with a sharp knife, leaving roots in soil. Young bulbs harvested early encourage side-shoot production for extended harvests. Can be harvested in both spring and fall crops; spring crops are sweeter due to cooler growing conditions.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'kohlrabi' comes from German: 'kohl' (cabbage) + 'rabi' (turnip), literally 'cabbage turnip,' though it is not a true turnip but a swollen stem of the cabbage family.
🌱 'Ysero' is an F1 hybrid variety developed for uniformity, consistency, and quick maturation, making it popular with commercial growers and home gardeners seeking reliable harvests.
🌱 Kohlrabi bulbs expand above ground rather than underground, which is why they develop visible pale skin—this unusual growth pattern makes them visually distinct among brassicas.

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