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Purple Vienna

Brassica oleracea

$3.99

3 g Approximately

Purple Vienna Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) is a hardy, cool-season crop with a striking purple exterior and tender white flesh. It has a unique, mild turnip-cabbage flavor and can be enjoyed raw, sauted, or roasted. The foliage is also edible and can be used similarly to kale.

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  • Days to Germination: 7-10 days
  • Days to Maturity: 55-60 days
  • Planting Time: Late summer through mid-winter for fall and spring harvests
  • Sunlight Requirement: Full sun (6-12 hours)
  • Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
  • Spacing: 8-10 inches between plants; 12-18 inches between rows
  • Height: 12-18 inches
  • Frost Hardy: Yes, down to 20°F

Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep directly in the garden 2-3 weeks before the last frost in spring or late summer for a fall crop.
  • Plant 10 seeds per foot, then thin to 5 inches apart once seedlings emerge.

Succession Planting:

  • For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks until six weeks before the first frost in autumn.

Indoor Starting:

  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost for early crops. Transplant outdoors when seedlings are 3-4 inches tall and temperatures stay above 50°F.

Growing Tips

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, about 1 inch of water per week. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and control weeds.
  • Fertilizing: Kohlrabi benefits from a light, balanced fertilizer halfway through the growing season. Ensure adequate potassium and calcium for strong bulb formation.
  • Companion Plants: Good companions include onions, beets, and cucumbers. Avoid planting near strawberries and tomatoes to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting

  • Timing: Harvest when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter for best flavor and tenderness.
  • Method: Cut at the soil line, removing the leaves and roots. Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a month.
  • Taste Tip: Bulbs harvested after a fall frost tend to be sweeter.

Nutritional Benefits and Culinary Uses

  • Nutrients: High in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
  • Culinary: Can be sliced raw in salads, roasted, sauted, or added to stews. The leaves are edible and can be cooked like kale.

Purple Vienna Kohlrabi is an attractive and nutritious addition to the garden, providing multiple harvests through successive sowing and a cold-hardy crop for cooler seasons.