Root vegetable
Can you grow Kohlrabi on a balcony?
Brassica oleracea gongylodes
Yes — grows well in pots
Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea gongylodes) grows well on a balcony in a pot of at least 15 litres (about 30 cm deep). It needs full sun — around 6+ hours of direct sun a day. Baby veg in as little as 6 weeks; full size after about 12 weeks (50-60 days typical), best harvested young. All figures below are sourced from RHS and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Sun
☀️ Full sun (6+ h)
Min. pot
15 L · 30 cm
Water
Medium
Difficulty
Easy
Hardiness
Annual
Container fit
Good
Sow
Sow outdoors in spring and summer (early sowings indoors in modules in cooler areas); scatter thinly and cover with 1.5cm compost; sow small batches to extend harvest
Harvest
Baby veg in as little as 6 weeks; full size after about 12 weeks (50-60 days typical), best harvested young
Good companions: Grown in rotation with other brassicas
Balcony tip: Choose a pot at least 30cm wide and deep in sun or semi-shade; harvest young while the swollen stem is tender, crisp and juicy
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Häufige Fragen
What size pot does Kohlrabi need?
Kohlrabi needs a container of at least 15 litres, roughly 30 cm deep. Bigger pots dry out more slowly and give better yields on a balcony.
How much sun does Kohlrabi need on a balcony?
Kohlrabi wants full sun — about 6+ hours of direct sun daily. Match it to your balcony's aspect before buying seed.
When do you sow Kohlrabi?
Sow outdoors in spring and summer (early sowings indoors in modules in cooler areas); scatter thinly and cover with 1.5cm compost; sow small batches to extend harvest. Timing shifts with your climate/USDA zone — the linked sources give the detail.
Sources & date
- RHS: Kohlrabi
- Old Farmer's Almanac: Kohlrabi
- Data as of: 2026-07-10
- Container sizes and timings are guidance — adjust to your climate/USDA zone and balcony aspect.