Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
100 seeds
Maturity: 55 days from transplant
A pre-1860 German heirloom, "kohl" meaning cabbage and "rabi" meaning turnip, Kohlrabi is a funky vegetable and an excellent addition to northern gardens. Plants grow to 18" tall, with bulbous purple skinned globes growing above the soil. Purple Vienna is slightly slower and larger than White Vienna.
Harvest smaller when "bulbs" reach approximately 3” across for tender flavor. The greenish-white inner flesh has a sweet flavor similar to broccoli or cabbage but is juicy like an apple and can be eaten cooked or raw. Peel and remove outer skin before cooking. Attractive leaves are also edible and can be used like kale or cabbage.
Kohlrabi is often sold without the leaves at market and a mix of white and purple bulbs look whimsical, if not extraterrestrial, providing an eye-catching display. A real northern staple crop that grows consistently with high yields, is cold hardy, and long-standing.