Organic stem vegetable seeds

Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Product code : BIOVO-0027

Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi is an early cool-season variety producing a smooth, round, greenish-white swollen stem above ground. White flesh is tender, juicy, crisp, and mild when harvested near 6 to 8 cm. The variety is known for low bolting tendency and suits spring and autumn crops. It may be eaten raw or cooked, while young healthy leaves may also be used. Sow or transplant into fertile, well-drained soil, keep moisture even, and preserve enough spacing for light and airflow. Begin checking near 42 days and harvest before the swollen stem becomes oversized or fibrous. Successive small sowings can extend the period of tender harvests.
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Detailed plant guide
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Quantity
Approximately 25 organic seeds
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Biennial grown as an annual

Discover the plant

Common name'Trero' kohlrabi
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusBrassica
Speciesoleracea var. gongylodes
CultivarTrero
TypeCool-season stem vegetable
Botanical nameBrassica oleracea var. gongylodes

Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) is an early cool-season variety forming a round smooth greenish-white swollen stem above the soil. This “bulb” is neither a root nor a tuber. White flesh remains tender, juicy, crisp, and mildly sweet when harvested at the proper diameter. 'Trero' is known for slow bolting and suits field, tunnel, and row-cover production. It also fits compact kitchen gardens. The peeled bulb may be eaten raw as sticks, grated into slaw, roasted, sautéed, or added to soup. Young sound leaves may be cooked like cabbage greens.

Direct-sow as soon as soil can be worked, approximately 1 to 2 cm deep, or start transplants three to four weeks before setting out. Thin to approximately 10 to 15 cm between plants for a tender harvest; 30 cm spacing favours very large bulbs, while closer spacing is better for a tender table harvest. Repeat small sowings every two or three weeks during cool weather. Choose full sun or bright partial shade and fertile organic-rich moist well-drained soil. Maintain even moisture to prevent growth interruptions that make flesh more fibrous or cause cracking.

Harvest generally begins after approximately 42 to 55 days depending on the counting point and target size. Begin checking near 42 days and harvest when the swollen stem measures approximately 6 to 8 cm across before it toughens. Cut the plant at soil level, remove most leaves, and refrigerate unwashed in a perforated bag. Cool conditions often improve texture, whereas prolonged heat and drought increase toughening. Monitor flea beetles, imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, slugs, and clubroot. Rotate away from brassicas for three to four years and do not compost roots bearing suspicious galls.

Photograph of organic 'Trero' kohlrabi ready for harvest, showing a smooth, round, greenish-white swollen stem above the soil surrounded by upright green leaves. The visible diameter helps gardeners assess the preferred 6-to-8-cm size before the flesh toughens. Stem size, uniformity, colour, and foliage density may vary with temperature, light, soil, watering, fertility, spacing, growing conditions, and harvest timing.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

Approximately 1 to 2 cm (3/8 to 3/4 in)

Spacing / density

Thin to approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in), with 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) between rows

Germination temperature

Approximately 10 to 24 °C (50 to 75.2 °F)

Germination time

Approximately 7 to 10 days; cool soil may place emergence near the slower end of the range.

Sowing period

Early spring as soon as soil can be worked; late summer for an autumn harvest

Propagation

Direct sowing or indoor sowing three to four weeks before transplanting

Growing method

Growing 'Trero' kohlrabi from seed. Direct-sow 1 to 2 cm deep as soon as soil can be worked or start in cells three to four weeks before planting. Keep mix moist and provide bright light. Transplant without burying the future swollen stem and space 10 to 15 cm apart. Protect temporarily from flea beetles, thin promptly, and irrigate consistently. Repeat sowing every two or three weeks during cool weather. Begin measuring bulbs near 42 days and cut at soil level once they reach approximately 6 to 8 cm. After emergence, thin without disturbing retained plants and keep the surface lightly moist. Mulch only after plants establish, leaving the crown uncovered. Inspect leaf undersides regularly, remove severely damaged tissue, and harvest at the recommended stage. Record the sowing date for Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi to plan later batches more accurately and rotate the next crop with an unrelated plant family. During sowing and cultivation, inspect Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth. During sowing and cultivation, keep soil moist and well drained without allowing water to remain around roots. During sowing and cultivation, preserve adequate spacing so airflow, inspection, and harvest remain straightforward.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 6.8

Care level

Easy

Watering

Keep the sowing zone consistently moist until emergence without creating crust or saturation. After thinning, irrigate deeply when the top 2 to 3 cm begins drying. The swollen stem must enlarge without interruption: drought followed by heavy watering promotes cracking, tougher texture, and stronger flavour. Apply light mulch once plants are established to moderate temperature and evaporation. Water at soil level in the morning rather than over foliage and check containers daily during warm weather. Reduce only after harvest; do not leave bulbs waiting in dry soil.

Soil type

Prepare fertile loose soil rich in mature compost and well drained while retaining a dependable moisture reserve. Kohlrabi forms its stem above ground, but roots need aerated soil to support rapid uninterrupted growth. Loam performs better than poor sand that dries quickly or compacted saturated clay. Aim for pH near 6.0 to 6.8; slightly more alkaline soil may reduce certain clubroot risks, but do not alter pH without testing. Avoid plots where diseased brassicas recently grew and maintain a three-to-four-year rotation.

Fertilization

Work mature compost into the bed before sowing and correct fertility according to testing or label guidance. Kohlrabi has moderate nutrient demand, and one light balanced application at planting is often sufficient in fertile ground. When leaves pale or growth slows, side-dress a small nitrogen dose beside the row and irrigate. Avoid excess late nitrogen that produces abundant leaves, delays swelling, and creates softer tissue. Boron matters to brassicas but has a narrow safety margin; never add it without a confirmed deficiency. Stop feeding as stems approach harvest diameter.

Moisture

Evenly moist soil without saturation

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Trero' kohlrabi. In spring, sow early under row cover or outdoors and protect young plants from flea beetles. Remove or vent covers as heat builds. Thin promptly, weed without injuring roots, and maintain moisture. In summer, avoid the hottest weeks or provide light partial shade. Sow again in late summer for autumn. Harvest regularly rather than letting bulbs enlarge without limit. After harvest, remove roots and inspect for clubroot before composting healthy debris. In spring, prepare loose soil and remove young weeds promptly. During summer, water early, apply light mulch, and watch for stress, slugs, and insects beneath leaves. Harvest Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi regularly at the useful stage. In fall, remove severely diseased residue, clean tools, and record results. For containers, also inspect drainage holes after heavy rain and keep every saucer empty. As the seasons progress, inspect Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth. As the seasons progress, keep soil moist and well drained without allowing water to remain around roots. As the seasons progress, preserve adequate spacing so airflow, inspection, and harvest remain straightforward. As the seasons progress, work during the morning when practical and use clean tools to limit injury. As the seasons progress, remove badly damaged tissue promptly and keep sound harvested portions cool. As the seasons progress, temperature and light can change timing without altering the identity of this kohlrabi selection.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

At least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep and approximately 5 to 7 L per plant
Growing 'Trero' kohlrabi in containers. Choose a planter at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep with several holes and approximately 5 to 7 L of mix per plant. Space plants 12 to 15 cm apart and keep the swollen stem above the surface. Use rich moisture-retentive mix, water as the surface begins drying, and turn the container for even light. A small balanced liquid feeding may support growth after several weeks. Harvest at 6 to 8 cm before the pot dries too rapidly or bulbs crowd one another. Raise the container slightly so water drains freely and always empty the saucer after thorough watering. Rotate the pot weekly when light comes from one side. During heat, check moisture every morning without saturating the mix. Harvest Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi at the indicated stage and replace the mix after a serious soil-borne disease. Keep foliage open to airflow after rain. In a container, inspect Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth. In a container, keep soil moist and well drained without allowing water to remain around roots. In a container, preserve adequate spacing so airflow, inspection, and harvest remain straightforward.
Photograph of organic 'Trero' kohlrabi ready for harvest, showing a smooth, round, greenish-white swollen stem above the soil surrounded by upright green leaves. The visible diameter helps gardeners assess the preferred 6-to-8-cm size before the flesh toughens. Stem size, uniformity, colour, and foliage density may vary with temperature, light, soil, watering, fertility, spacing, growing conditions, and harvest timing.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

Approximately 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 in), including foliage

Width / spread

Approximately 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Flower color

Yellow

Foliage color

Green to blue-green

Foliage type

Broad blue-green leaves borne on long petioles

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Compact upright habit with leaves arranged around a swollen stem

Fragrance

Mild cabbage flavour with a turnip-like crisp texture

Bloom period

Yellow flowers in the second year if the plant overwinters and bolts When Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi reaches its reproductive stage, flower stalks emerge and carry blooms visited by small insects. For crops normally harvested before flowering, cut at the recommended culinary stage to preserve texture. If one plant is retained in bloom, keep it apart from the main harvest, maintain watering, and avoid disturbing active visitors.

Fruiting

Kohlrabi is biennial: a retained plant may flower and form seed pods during its second year. This stage redirects energy from the swollen stem and reduces culinary quality. For a tender harvest, cut plants when they reach approximately 6 to 8 cm across, before bolting. Allow only several healthy plants to continue when you want to observe flowering. Because hybrid or reproducibility status of this product is not confirmed, saved seed may not remain true to 'Trero'.

Days to maturity

Approximately 42 to 55 days depending on the starting point and desired root diameter

Harvest

Approximately 42 to 55 days; ideally harvest near 6 to 8 cm diameter
Photograph of organic 'Trero' kohlrabi ready for harvest, showing a smooth, round, greenish-white swollen stem above the soil surrounded by upright green leaves. The visible diameter helps gardeners assess the preferred 6-to-8-cm size before the flesh toughens. Stem size, uniformity, colour, and foliage density may vary with temperature, light, soil, watering, fertility, spacing, growing conditions, and harvest timing.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Quick low crops such as lettuce or green onions may occupy the border around 'Trero' when they are harvested before creating significant competition. Sweet alyssum, calendula, or phacelia may also grow along the edge to diversify flowering. Keep plant bases open and preserve enough space for light, airflow, and harvest. These pairings mainly help organize the garden; they guarantee no protection and do not replace crop rotation, drainage, weeding, or regular pest monitoring. Water each crop according to its own needs and prevent vigorous neighbours from shading young kohlrabi.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Peeled swollen stem; young sound leaves cooked
'Trero' kohlrabi in the kitchen. 'Trero' kohlrabi slaw — Peel two sound 6-to-8-cm bulbs and grate 400 g flesh. Combine with one small grated apple, 30 ml plain yogurt, 15 ml lemon juice, 10 ml oil, 5 ml mild mustard, salt, and pepper. Add several finely sliced young leaves only when clean and tender. Chill 20 minutes before serving. Discard fibrous, cracked, mouldy bulbs or those from diseased plants and keep the salad cold. Work on a clean surface and wash the harvest carefully under cool potable water. Remove every mouldy, slimy, or abnormal-smelling part. Adjust seasoning progressively so the flavour of Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi remains clear. Serve promptly, then refrigerate leftovers within two hours in a clean container. Prevent cross-contamination with raw animal foods and use clean knives, boards, bowls, and serving utensils throughout preparation. During preparation, inspect Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi regularly and adjust care to its actual stage of growth.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Does a kohlrabi bulb grow underground?
No. The round part is a swollen stem forming entirely above the surface while true roots remain underground. Do not hill soil over the bulb or bury it at transplanting. Its visible position allows diameter measurement without pulling the plant. Harvest when the stem reaches approximately 6 to 8 cm unless local experience shows a larger size remains tender. An old or stressed stem becomes more fibrous even when it still looks sound. Keep the growing bed evenly moist while Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi establishes without allowing standing water. Shallow sowing, adequate spacing, and appropriate light support consistent growth. Thin early and harvest according to visible maturity rather than relying on one rigid calendar date, because temperature and weather affect development.
Why does kohlrabi become fibrous or crack?
Prolonged heat, drought, interrupted growth, and late harvest toughen tissue. Heavy rain or irrigation after a dry spell may then crack the bulb. Sow in cool periods, maintain even moisture, mulch lightly, and harvest regularly. Do not pursue the largest possible bulb. Adequate spacing and moderate nutrition support rapid growth, while excess nitrogen produces mostly leaves and delays the proper harvest stage. Watch the colour, firmness, and growth of Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi. Temperature, light, moisture, and soil fertility can advance or delay harvest. Cut or lift one test specimen, assess its size and texture, then adjust the timing for the remainder of the crop rather than waiting until everything becomes overmature.
Can 'Trero' leaves be eaten?
Yes. Young sound correctly identified leaves may be cooked like collards or kale. Remove only a few during growth so the bulb is not slowed, then use more foliage at whole-plant harvest. Remove tough petioles, wash carefully, and cook. Do not eat yellowed, heavily damaged leaves, foliage treated with a product not permitted for leafy vegetables, or material from a plant with an unidentified disease. Even moisture and reliable drainage are essential for Organic 'Trero' kohlrabi. Water near the soil in the morning whenever the surface begins drying, then allow the excess to drain. Apply light mulch after establishment and reduce irrigation only when the crop's normal maturation stage requires drier conditions.
Is 'Trero' a hybrid or a reproducible variety?
Available information is inconsistent: Sativa and ProSpecieRara present 'Trero' as an old variety maintained through conservation breeding, while one North American retailer describes it as a hybrid. The exact status of the Biologiquement Vôtre product therefore cannot be guaranteed. For seed saving, choose a product clearly identified as open pollinated, isolate seed plants from compatible Brassica oleracea, and retain the original packet label with your seed records. When varietal status matters to your project, review the product information before sowing. Kohlrabi is biennial and must overwinter before flowering in its second year. Seed resulting from uncontrolled pollination may not remain true to the cultivar.
Can 'Trero' be sown in summer?
Yes, especially in late summer for an autumn harvest. Germination in warm soil requires a consistently moist surface and sometimes light shade until emergence. Allow enough days before hard freezes and protect seedlings from insects. Avoid scheduling bulb enlargement during the hottest period because heat and drought reduce tenderness. In cool regions, small succession sowings may continue longer, but always use actual weather conditions. Make one small trial sowing first, record emergence and leaf quality, and repeat only while enough cool growing time remains. For 'Trero', current soil moisture and forecast heat are more useful guides than a fixed date, especially when an autumn harvest is the goal.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Trero kohlrabi is best cut while its swollen stem is tender, before flowering. An overwintered or prematurely bolting plant can open yellow Brassica flowers that bees and hoverflies visit. This may offer brief forage, but the stem becomes fibrous and the food crop is lost. Reserve separate flowering plants rather than delaying the main harvest.