
Colirrábano
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
De un vistazo
Una verdura inusual con una base de tallo bulbosa comestible. Tierno y dulce.
Calendario de plantación y cosecha
Etapas de crecimiento
De la semilla a la cosecha
Germinación de semillas
Las semillas germinan rápidamente en un suelo fresco o templado, y los diminutos cotiledones aparecen en 5–10 días. Las semillas de colirrábano son pequeñas y redondas, similares a las de otras brassicas. La germinación es más rápida alrededor de 20 °C, pero ocurre con fiabilidad en un amplio rango de temperaturas.
💡 Consejo de cuidado
Mantén el suelo constantemente húmedo, pero no empapado, durante la germinación. Una capa ligera de vermiculita ayuda a conservar la humedad superficial. No se necesita fertilizante en esta etapa.

Kohlrabi seedling developing its first true leaves
Calendario de cuidado mensual
Qué hacer cada mes para tu Colirrábano
Mayo
Mes actualMonitor spring-planted kohlrabi daily as bulbs begin forming — harvest standard varieties at 5-8 cm diameter before they turn woody. Scout for cabbage worms and apply Bt if needed. Keep soil consistently moist.
¿Sabías que?
Datos fascinantes sobre Colirrábano
The name 'kohlrabi' comes from the German words 'Kohl' (cabbage) and 'Rübe' (turnip), literally meaning 'cabbage turnip' — even though the edible part is neither a head nor a root, but a swollen stem.
El colirrábano prefiere clima fresco. Cultive en primavera y otoño.
Crecimiento rápido - listo en 50-60 días.

Kohlrabi thriving in a well-mulched raised bed
Kohlrabi's origins trace back to northern Europe, where it was developed through selective breeding of wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) sometime in the late medieval period. Unlike its ancient brassica relatives — cabbage, kale, and broccoli, which have been cultivated for thousands of years — kohlrabi is a comparatively recent creation. The earliest reliable written descriptions come from the Italian botanist Mattioli in 1554, who noted it was already being grown in Germany and Italy. By the 1600s, kohlrabi had spread across Central and Northern Europe, particularly taking root in German-speaking regions where it became a kitchen staple.
The vegetable was brought to North America by European immigrants in the early 1800s, but it never achieved the widespread popularity it enjoys in its Central European heartland. Thomas Jefferson is recorded to have grown kohlrabi at Monticello, and it appeared in American seed catalogs throughout the 19th century. However, its unusual appearance — a swollen, above-ground stem studded with leaf stalks — may have limited its mainstream adoption compared to more familiar root vegetables like turnips and beets.
Today, kohlrabi remains most popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Eastern Europe, where it is sold fresh in every market and used in a wide range of traditional dishes from creamy Kohlrabigemüse to hearty soups and salads. In India, particularly in Kashmir, a local variety called monj-hak has been cultivated for centuries and holds deep cultural significance in Kashmiri cuisine. Interest in kohlrabi has grown substantially in recent years among home gardeners and chefs worldwide, driven by its fast growth, mild flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and impressive nutritional profile.
Siembre directamente o comience 4 semanas en interiores.
Rico en nutrientes, pH 6,0-7,5.
Verifica Tu Zona
Verifica si Colirrábano es adecuado para tu ubicación.
7°C – 24°C
45°F – 75°F
Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop that thrives between 7-24°C (45-75°F). It tolerates light frost down to -5°C (23°F) and actually develops sweeter flavor after frost exposure. Growth stalls and bulbs become woody above 27°C (80°F). The ideal range for tender, sweet bulbs is 15-20°C (60-68°F).
Problemas comunes que afectan a Colirrábano y cómo prevenirlos y tratarlos de forma orgánica.
Bulbos leñosos si se cosecha tarde.
- 1Timing is everything with kohlrabi. Plant in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest — avoiding the heat of midsummer, which causes tough, woody bulbs and triggers bolting. Fall crops generally produce sweeter, more tender bulbs than spring ones.
- 2Thin seedlings early and ruthlessly to 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart. Overcrowded kohlrabi produces small, misshapen bulbs that never reach their full potential. Use thinned seedlings as microgreens — they have a mild, pleasant brassica flavor.
- 3Consistent moisture is the single most important factor for tender, crack-free bulbs. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses and mulch heavily with straw or shredded leaves to maintain even soil moisture throughout the growing period.
- 4Harvest standard varieties promptly at 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) diameter — do not wait for them to grow larger. The window between perfectly tender and unpleasantly woody is very short. If you want large bulbs, grow Superschmelz instead of leaving standard varieties in the ground too long.
- 5Floating row covers are your best friend for kohlrabi. They protect against flea beetles and cabbage worms from day one, eliminating the two most common pest problems without any spraying. Leave covers on from planting through harvest.
- 6Succession plant every 2-3 weeks to avoid a glut of kohlrabi all maturing at once. Stagger sowings from early spring through late summer for a continuous supply of perfectly sized bulbs from May through November.
- 7Do not discard the leaves — they are nutritious and delicious. Young kohlrabi leaves can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil, added to soups, or used anywhere you would use collard greens or kale. They are higher in calcium and iron than the bulb itself.
- 8Kohlrabi is one of the best vegetables for container growing. Its compact size, shallow roots, and fast maturity make it ideal for pots at least 20 cm (8 inches) deep. Grow 3-4 plants per 40 cm container for a satisfying harvest on a balcony or patio.
Coseche cuando los bulbos tienen 5-8 cm de diámetro.

A harvest of green and purple kohlrabi at ideal 5-8 cm diameter
En refrigerador 2-3 semanas.
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Información nutricional
Por porción de 100g
27
Calorías
Beneficios para la salud
- Exceptionally rich in Vitamin C — one cup of raw kohlrabi provides nearly 140% of the daily recommended intake, supporting immune function and collagen production
- High in dietary fiber (3.6g per cup), promoting healthy digestion and satiety with very few calories
- Good source of potassium (350mg per cup), helping regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health
- Contains significant amounts of Vitamin B6, supporting brain function and the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin
- Provides glucosinolates — sulfur-containing compounds found in brassicas that are being studied for potential anti-cancer properties
- Very low calorie density (only 27 calories per 100g) while being nutrient-dense, making it an excellent food for weight management
💰 ¿Por qué cultivar tus propios?
A packet of kohlrabi seeds costs $2-4 and contains 200-500 seeds — enough to plant a large garden. At organic grocery prices of $3-5 per bulb, even a modest planting of 10-15 plants saves $30-75 in a single season. The fast 45-60 day maturity and tolerance for spring and fall planting means two full crops per year are achievable in most climates, doubling the savings.

The crisp, white interior flesh of kohlrabi — mild and juicy
Recetas rápidas
Recetas sencillas con Colirrábano frescos

Kohlrabi Apple Slaw
15 minA crisp, refreshing slaw that showcases raw kohlrabi at its best. Julienned kohlrabi and tart apple tossed with a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. The perfect crunchy side dish for grilled meats or fish.

Roasted Kohlrabi Wedges
35 minHigh-heat roasting transforms kohlrabi into caramelized, golden wedges with a sweet, nutty flavor. A simple preparation that converts even kohlrabi skeptics. Excellent as a side dish or snack.
Creamy Kohlrabi Soup
30 minA silky, comforting soup that highlights kohlrabi's delicate flavor. Simmered with potato and onion, then pureed until velvety smooth. A warming bowl that proves kohlrabi deserves a starring role.

Crunchy kohlrabi slaw with apple and carrot — a refreshing side dish
Calculadora de Rendimiento y Espaciado
Vea cuántas plantas de Colirrábano caben en su cama de jardín basándose en el espaciado recomendado de 20cm.
36
Colirrábano plantas en una cama de 4×4 ft
6 columnas × 6 filas a 20cm de espaciado
Variedades populares
Algunas de las variedades de colirrábano más populares para jardineros caseros, cada una con características únicas.
Purple Vienna
Piel morada, pulpa verde. 55 días.
White Vienna
Piel verde. 55 días.
Palitos crudos, en ensaladas, cocido o salteado.
¿Cuándo debo plantar Colirrábano?
Planta Colirrábano en Marzo, Abril, Agosto, Septiembre. Toma aproximadamente 50 días para madurar, con cosecha típicamente en Mayo, Junio, Octubre, Noviembre.
¿Cuáles son buenas plantas acompañantes para Colirrábano?
Colirrábano crece bien junto a Remolacha, Cebolla, Pepino. El cultivo acompañante puede mejorar el crecimiento, sabor y control natural de plagas.
¿En qué zonas de rusticidad puede crecer Colirrábano?
Colirrábano prospera en zonas de rusticidad USDA 5 a 11. Con protección de invernadero, puede cultivarse en zonas 3 a 12.
¿Cuánto sol necesita Colirrábano?
Colirrábano requiere Sol completo (6-8h+). Esto significa al menos 6-8 horas de luz solar directa diaria.
¿A qué distancia debo espaciar Colirrábano?
Espacia las plantas de Colirrábano a 20cm (8 pulgadas) para crecimiento óptimo y circulación de aire.
¿Qué plagas y enfermedades afectan a Colirrábano?
Los problemas comunes incluyen Mosca de la col. La prevención a través de buenas prácticas de jardinería como rotación de cultivos, espaciado adecuado y cultivo acompañante es el mejor enfoque. Consulta la sección de plagas y enfermedades para más detalles.
¿Cómo almaceno Colirrábano después de la cosecha?
En refrigerador 2-3 semanas.
¿Cuáles son las mejores variedades de Colirrábano para cultivar?
Las variedades populares incluyen Purple Vienna, White Vienna. Cada una tiene características únicas adaptadas a diferentes condiciones de cultivo y preferencias culinarias. Consulta la sección de variedades para descripciones detalladas.
¿Qué suelo necesita Colirrábano?
Rico en nutrientes, pH 6,0-7,5.
Why did my kohlrabi bulb become woody and fibrous?
Woodiness is almost always caused by harvesting too late, heat stress, or drought. Standard varieties like Purple Vienna and White Vienna must be harvested at 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) diameter — the texture deteriorates rapidly once they exceed this size. Hot weather (above 27°C / 80°F) also toughens the flesh. For consistently tender results, grow in cool weather and check bulb size daily once they start forming. If you want larger bulbs without woodiness, grow the giant variety Superschmelz, which stays tender even at softball size.
Can I eat kohlrabi leaves, or are they only for composting?
Kohlrabi leaves are absolutely edible and highly nutritious — in fact, they contain more calcium, iron, and Vitamin A than the bulb itself. Young, tender leaves can be sautéed with garlic and olive oil, added to soups and stews, or used in any recipe calling for collard greens or kale. Harvest outer leaves selectively while the bulb is growing, taking only one or two at a time so the plant retains enough foliage for photosynthesis.
What is the difference between green and purple kohlrabi?
Green varieties (like White Vienna) have pale green skin, while purple varieties (like Purple Vienna and Kolibri) have vivid purple-blue skin. Both have the same crisp white flesh inside and very similar mild, sweet flavor. Purple varieties contain anthocyanins — the same antioxidant pigments found in blueberries and red cabbage — in their skin, giving them a slight nutritional edge. The purple color also makes them more visually striking in the garden and on the plate.
How do I grow the giant kohlrabi variety Superschmelz?
Superschmelz is grown exactly like standard kohlrabi but needs slightly wider spacing (25-30 cm apart) and a longer growing season (60-70 days). The key advantage is that it remains remarkably tender and sweet even when the bulb grows to the size of a softball or larger — up to 25 cm across and 4 kg in weight. It is an Austrian heirloom variety with a buttery texture. Give it consistent moisture and moderate temperatures, and harvest at whatever size you prefer.
Can I grow kohlrabi in containers on a balcony?
Yes — kohlrabi is one of the best vegetables for container growing. Its compact size, shallow root system, and fast 45-60 day maturity make it ideal for pots. Use containers at least 20 cm (8 inches) deep and 30 cm wide, filled with quality potting mix. Plant 3-4 kohlrabi per 40 cm container. Water consistently (containers dry out faster than garden beds), feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, and place in a spot receiving at least 6 hours of sun daily.
When should I plant kohlrabi for a fall harvest?
Count back 6-8 weeks from your first expected fall frost date — that is your ideal sowing date for a fall crop. In most temperate climates, this means sowing in late July or August. Direct-sow seeds 1 cm deep and thin to 15-20 cm apart. Fall-grown kohlrabi is often sweeter and more tender than spring crops because it matures during cool, shortening days. Light frost actually enhances the flavor by converting starches to sugars.
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Vladimir Kusnezow
Jardinero y desarrollador de software
Jardinero de zona 6b. Cultivo hortalizas y frutas en tierra e hidroponía desde hace 6 años. Creé PlotMyGarden para planificar mis propios jardines.
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