Standard kohlrabi growing time runs between 45 and 60 days from seed to harvest. This puts kohlrabi among the fastest brassicas in your garden. You can pick bulbs while other vegetables are still getting started.
I tested this myself last spring with two varieties planted side by side. Quickstar gave me golf ball sized bulbs in just 40 days. My Vienna plants took the full 55-60 days to hit that same size. The days to harvest kohlrabi depend a lot on which seeds you pick.
Why does kohlrabi grow so fast compared to its cousins? It forms a swollen stem above ground instead of a tight head. Cabbage needs 90 days or more to pack those leaves together. Brussels sprouts take over 100 days to grow their tiny buds. Kohlrabi skips all that and just puffs up its stem.
Each variety has its own timeline based on final size. Utah State Extension lists these numbers. Quickstar comes in at 40 days for a quick harvest. Grand Duke needs about 50 days but grows bigger. Vienna types take 55-60 days with that classic shape. Kossak can grow 10 inches across but needs 70-80 days to reach kohlrabi maturity.
Weather plays a big role in your timing too. Cool conditions speed up growth while heat slows things down. Hot weather can also trigger bolting before the bulb fills out. Spring and fall crops often mature faster than summer ones.
Kohlrabi does best in temperatures between 40-75°F (4-24°C). This sweet spot keeps plants growing steady without stress. Check your forecast before planting to aim for these conditions.
Match your variety to your growing season. Short season gardeners should grab Quickstar or Grand Duke. These finish before summer heat arrives. Gardeners with long cool seasons can try Kossak for those giant bulbs that impress at the dinner table.
Succession planting stretches your harvest across the whole season. Sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks instead of all at once. This way you always have fresh bulbs coming in. Kohlrabi ranks among the most reliable fast growing vegetables for this method.
I learned this trick after my first year when all 15 plants matured the same week. We ate kohlrabi every day and still gave bags away to neighbors. Now I stagger plantings and enjoy fresh harvests for months instead of a single overwhelming crop.
Start your next batch before current plants finish up. Keep that pipeline going and you will never run out. A little planning turns one short harvest into months of fresh kohlrabi from your garden beds.
Read the full article: Growing Kohlrabi: Beginner-Friendly Guide
