Troubleshooting
Kohlrabi 'Winner' problems — and how to fix them
Kohlrabi 'Winner' (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes 'Winner') 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 or hot-flavoured flesh
From over-mature bulbs or moisture stress. Pick young at golf-to-tennis-ball size and keep watering consistent for sweet, crisp flesh.
Splitting
Sudden water after a dry spell bursts the swelling stem. Mulch and water evenly; 'Winner' is more split-resistant but not immune.
Flea beetles
Tiny beetles riddle young leaves with shot-holes, stunting seedlings. Use floating row cover at emergence and keep plants vigorous to grow through damage.
Cabbage root fly
Larvae tunnel the stem base and stunt or kill young plants. Fit brassica collars at the stem or net plants to block egg-laying females.
Prevent kohlrabi 'winner' problems before they start
Most kohlrabi 'winner' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for kohlrabi 'winner' in general rather than its problems? Read the full kohlrabi 'winner' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Kohlrabi 'Winner' problems — FAQ
Why is my kohlrabi 'winner' woody or hot-flavoured flesh?
From over-mature bulbs or moisture stress. Pick young at golf-to-tennis-ball size and keep watering consistent for sweet, crisp flesh.
Why is my kohlrabi 'winner' splitting?
Sudden water after a dry spell bursts the swelling stem. Mulch and water evenly; 'Winner' is more split-resistant but not immune.
Why is my kohlrabi 'winner' flea beetles?
Tiny beetles riddle young leaves with shot-holes, stunting seedlings. Use floating row cover at emergence and keep plants vigorous to grow through damage.
Why is my kohlrabi 'winner' cabbage root fly?
Larvae tunnel the stem base and stunt or kill young plants. Fit brassica collars at the stem or net plants to block egg-laying females.