How to Grow Kohlrabi in New Zealand
Harvest when the swollen stem is between golf-ball and tennis-ball size, before it turns woody. Purple and green types taste the same, milder and sweeter than turnip. Cover against white butterfly.
When to plant kohlrabi in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best kohlrabi varieties for NZ
- Purple Vienna — Purple-skinned swollen stem with crisp white flesh, mild and sweet. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- White Vienna — Pale green form with the same crisp mild flesh, quick to mature. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow kohlrabi
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow kohlrabi near: Beetroot, Onion.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Aphids, Diamondback moth. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Kohlrabi plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant kohlrabi in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy kohlrabi seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds.