Brassicaceae; nativity unknown.

Germination: Best sown indoors, 4-6 weeks before planting out, at a temperature of 68-70°. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in early spring while the soil is still cool. For successive harvesting sow at two week intervals, up to one month before first frost in the fall. In Zones 8 and warmer, sow in late summer for a late fall and winter harvest. Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and expect germination in 10 days. It is about 85 days from sowing to harvesting.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves and as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Space seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 15-18 inches apart. Site in full sun to light shade in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Fertilize prior to planting and again every 3 weeks. Keep plants well watered and mulch them to keep the soil cool, weed-free, and moist. Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop.

Appearance and Use: This relative of the Turnip is grown for its edible stems and bulbs. Kohlrabi is German for “Cabbage Turnip.” The pale green to purplish lower section of the stem is swollen at the soil line and resembles the Turnip root in appearance. Blue-green leaves that resemble Cabbage arise from this swollen stem. The stems, leaves, and bulbs are eaten raw or cooked. Harvest the bulbs when 21/2- 4 inches across, depending on cultivar. If they grow too large, they will be woody and bitter.