Troubleshooting
Kohlrabi 'Kolibri' problems — and how to fix them
Kohlrabi 'Kolibri' (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes 'Kolibri') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Woody, fibrous bulbs
Caused by heat, age or erratic watering. Harvest at golf-to-tennis-ball size and keep moisture even to keep flesh tender.
Bolting (premature flowering)
Triggered by cold snaps on young plants then heat, or late sowing. 'Kolibri' is bolt-resistant, but sow in cool weather and avoid transplant stress.
Cabbage white caterpillars
Larvae of cabbage white butterflies shred the foliage. Net plants or inspect leaf undersides and remove eggs; Bacillus thuringiensis controls heavy infestations.
Clubroot
Soil-borne disease swelling roots and stunting plants in acidic, wet ground. Rotate brassicas, improve drainage and lime to raise pH toward 7.0.
Prevent kohlrabi 'kolibri' problems before they start
Most kohlrabi 'kolibri' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for kohlrabi 'kolibri' in general rather than its problems? Read the full kohlrabi 'kolibri' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Kohlrabi 'Kolibri' problems — FAQ
Why is my kohlrabi 'kolibri' woody, fibrous bulbs?
Caused by heat, age or erratic watering. Harvest at golf-to-tennis-ball size and keep moisture even to keep flesh tender.
Why is my kohlrabi 'kolibri' bolting (premature flowering)?
Triggered by cold snaps on young plants then heat, or late sowing. 'Kolibri' is bolt-resistant, but sow in cool weather and avoid transplant stress.
Why is my kohlrabi 'kolibri' cabbage white caterpillars?
Larvae of cabbage white butterflies shred the foliage. Net plants or inspect leaf undersides and remove eggs; Bacillus thuringiensis controls heavy infestations.
Why is my kohlrabi 'kolibri' clubroot?
Soil-borne disease swelling roots and stunting plants in acidic, wet ground. Rotate brassicas, improve drainage and lime to raise pH toward 7.0.