KOHLRABI

  Early White Vienna (55 days)  Short tops and few leaves.  The bulbs are tender, creamy white and round.  Good raw or cooked.

#636   Packet  $3.50   Approximately 250 seeds

Purple Vienna (60 days)  Larger than White Vienna, the bulbs are purple outside and greenish-white inside.

#637   Packet  $3.50   Approximately 250 seeds

CULTIVATION

Kohlrabi (also known as Turnip stemmed Cabbage) is a member of the Mustard family, Brassicaceae (or Cruciferae), and is  related to mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts and cabbage.  Kohlrabi is unique in appearance with a large rounded stem that resembles a turnip, with leaves developing on the surface of the swollen stem.  The swollen portion of the stem is cut off, chopped and eaten like turnips.  Kohlrabi, unlike many members of its family, can be grown during the summer months and is often used as a substitute for turnips.

Kohlrabi is easily cultivated and  will grow in any well drained soil rich in humus. 

Kohlrabi is propagated by sowing seed.  The seeds may be direct sowed or seedlings can be grown for transplants.  For transplants, sow seed in pots or trays using a fine sterile medium (1 part sand to 2 parts sphagnum peat works very well).  Sow seed and cover to a depth of 1/4 inch.  Keep moist at about 75F until seedlings emerge, then lower the temperaure to about 70F daytime and 55 night time.   When seedlings show their first true leaves, transplant to flats or cold frames about 2-3 inches apart each way.  When the weather has settled in the spring and nighttime temperatures stay above 55F, they may be planted outdoors.  Plant 8-12 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart  (The larger the mature head, the further apart the plants should be.)   Set the plants out and 'puddle' (fill the planting hole with water) or water thoroughly after planting.  Cultivate regularly to keep weeds down and make certain to water the plants during dry spells to prevent cracking of the swollen stem.   A dressing of humus or leaf mold is beneficial (or an application of a 5-10-5 fertilize, at a rate of 25lbs to 1000sq ft.)

To sow directly into the garden in full sun, wait until the spring weather has settled and danger of a severe freeze has passed.  (see temperature graph below.)  Work the soil so that it is fine.  Working in humus, peat moss or leaf mold will give the plants a boost.  Sow 1 seed every 6 inches in shallow drills in rows 8-12 inches apart.  Cover lightly to a depth of 1/4 inch.  Keep the seeds moist until they sprout, then thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart.  Water, cultivate and fertilize as above.

HARVEST : Cut the swollen stems when mature.  Store on shelves at about 32F at 95% humidity. 

A rich source of vitamins B6, C and K. It is also a source of beneficial phytochemicals that may protect against stomach ulcer and colon cancers. 

SEEDING RATE:  100 seeds per 50ft row;  79,000 to 112,000 seeds per acre st 2-3 seeds per foot with rows 36 inches apart (depends on cultivar size)

There is great diversity in the kohlrabi varieties that we offer; which makes the general information provided only valuable as adjustable guidelines. This may also affect your seed planting and propagation strategies and the germination rates under your planting conditions may vary from the seed lot test results. The following soil temperature data is for kohlrabi in general. Temperatures are average daytime from planting to emergence. Percentage is average germination rate. Days is number of days to emergence.
32ºF x 0% x 0 days; 41ºF x 27% x 27 days; 50ºF x 78% x 15 days; 59ºF x 93% x 9 days; 68ºF x 99% x 6 days; 77ºF x 99% x 5 days; 86ºF x 89% x 4 days; 95ºF x 0% x 0 days;

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