UK sowing calendar
When to sow kohlrabi in the UK
Kohlrabi sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Feb-Mar |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Apr-Aug |
| Harvest | Jun-Dec |
Can be started indoors in Feb-Mar for the earliest crop, or direct sown outdoors from Apr through late summer. Harvest the swollen stems young, between golf- and tennis-ball size, before they turn woody; purple varieties are hardier for late-summer sowings that crop into early winter.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for kohlrabi.
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When to sow kohlrabi in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow kohlrabi in the UK?
Sow kohlrabi under cover Feb-Mar, then outdoors apr-aug. Can be started indoors in Feb-Mar for the earliest crop, or direct sown outdoors from Apr through late summer. Harvest the swollen stems young, between golf- and tennis-ball size, before they turn woody; purple varieties are hardier for late-summer sowings that crop into early winter.
Can you sow kohlrabi outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant kohlrabi outdoors apr-aug. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is kohlrabi ready to harvest in the UK?
Kohlrabi is typically harvested Jun-Dec in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow kohlrabi?
It depends on the month and your region. Kohlrabi has a UK outdoor window of apr-aug; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.