Best Kohlrabi Varieties to Grow in Your Garden

[Stephen Albert]

Kohlrabi is a versatile cool-season vegetable, prized for its crisp, tender bulbs and mild, slightly sweet flavor. With over 30 years of hands-on gardening experience, I’ve grown and tested numerous kohlrabi varieties to determine which perform best in home gardens and containers. Choosing the right variety is crucial for climate, season length, and culinary use. This guide highlights the top varieties to grow, along with tips for selecting the best seeds for your garden.

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1. Early-Maturing Varieties​

Ideal for spring and fall plantings when you want a quick harvest.

• ‘Early Purple Vienna’ – Ready in 50–60 days; smooth, tender bulbs; purple skin adds visual interest to the garden.
• ‘White Vienna’ – Ready in 55–65 days; mild flavor; grows well in cooler climates.

Experience Tip: Early varieties are perfect for succession planting, giving you a continuous harvest throughout the season.

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2. Mid-Season Varieties​

Produce slightly larger bulbs and are good for summer and late-season harvests.

• ‘Kossak’ – Ready in 60–70 days; pale green bulbs; excellent for storage and cooking.
• ‘Gigante’ – Ready in 65–75 days; very large, tender bulbs; great for braising or roasting.

Experience Tip: These varieties thrive in fertile, well-watered soil and respond well to consistent care.

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3. Specialty and Heirloom Varieties​

For unique flavor, color, or texture in your garden.

• ‘Azur Star’ – Ready in 55–65 days; purple stems with pale green bulbs; visually striking for salads.
• ‘Kolibri’ – Ready in 50–60 days; small, tender bulbs; perfect for container gardens and urban plots.
• ‘Purple Express’ – Ready in 45–55 days; small, fast-growing; great for early harvest or succession planting.

Experience Tip: Specialty varieties often excel in flavor and visual appeal, making them perfect for fresh eating and garnishing.

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4. Container-Friendly Varieties​

Ideal for patios, small spaces, or raised beds.

• ‘Kolibri’ – Small, tender bulbs that fit well in containers; matures quickly.
• ‘Purple Express’ – Compact size and fast growth make it perfect for small spaces.
• ‘Early Purple Vienna’ – Can be grown in deeper pots; provides early harvest for container gardens.

Experience Tip: Container varieties require consistent moisture and regular fertilization to produce tender bulbs.

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My Experience​

Choosing the right kohlrabi variety is key to maximizing garden success, flavor, and yield. Early, mid-season, heirloom, and container-friendly varieties each offer unique benefits depending on your climate, garden size, and culinary goals. Hands-on experience shows that combining a mix of varieties can provide a continuous harvest, vibrant colors, and delicious bulbs all season long.

Kohlrabi Varieties Comparison​

Variety	Days to Harvest	Bulb Size	Color	Best For	Notes / Experience Tip
Early Purple Vienna	50–60	Medium	Purple	Early harvest, succession planting	Smooth, tender bulbs; visually striking in salads
White Vienna	55–65	Medium	Pale Green	Cool-season, early harvest	Mild flavor; grows well in cooler climates
Kossak	60–70	Large	Pale Green	Mid-season, storage, cooking	Bulbs grow large and firm; excellent for braising or roasting
Gigante	65–75	Very Large	Pale Green	Mid-season, cooking	Produces very large bulbs; best with consistent watering and fertile soil
Azur Star	55–65	Medium	Purple stems, pale green bulbs	Specialty, visual appeal	Great for salads and adding color to the garden
Kolibri	50–60	Small	Pale Green	Container or small-space gardening	Fast-growing and compact; ideal for patios or raised beds
Purple Express	45–55	Small	Purple	Container, early harvest	Fast-growing, tender bulbs; excellent for succession planting

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Gardener’s Tip from Experience:
Mixing early, mid-season, and specialty varieties ensures a continuous harvest, vibrant colors, and maximum flavor throughout the growing season.

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