Kohlrabi Seeds - Purple Vienna

Minimum Seeds per Packet: 200

Packet Weight: 2g

Planting Season: Spring or Fall

Sowing Method: Direct Seed or Transplant

Seed Depth: 1/2"

Direct Seed Spacing: 2-4"

Soil Temperature: 50-85 ℉

Days to Sprout: 5-17

Mature Spacing: 8-12"

Sun Requirement: Full Sun

Frost Tolerance: Frost Tolerant

Days to Harvest: 55-70

When to Seed Kohlrabi

For a spring or early summer harvest, start your kohlrabi indoors four to six weeks before your last frost date, transplanting the seedlings about three weeks before your last frost date. For a fall harvest, sow your seeds in late July or early August. Kohlrabi can also be direct seeded into the garden. Certain frost protectant measures can be used to extend your growing season by several weeks for your fall harvest.  

Where to Plant Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi will prefer a spot with full sun but can tolerate some shade - especially for spring crops. It will need well-draining, rich soil with a pH between six and seven. To increase the fertility of your soil ahead of planting, mix in two to four inches of compost and add additional high-nitrogen fertilizer if necessary.

Growing Kohlrabi

When transplanting, ideally your seedlings will have three or four adult leaves. Plant your seedlings out 8 to 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. You can also direct seed your kale. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and two to four inches apart, thinning to their mature planting distance. Applying mulch after transplanting (or germination if direct seeding) can help keep weeds in check and hold in moisture. The shallow roots of kohlrabi can be easily disturbed by weeding, so it’s best to avoid weeds in the first place! Ensure your seedlings get at least one inch of water per week. 

Harvesting Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi can be harvested at any size, but plants are best harvested at two to three inches in diameter. Using sharp shears, clip the base of the plant to remove the above ground bulb.

Kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea

Pollination, insect; Life Cycle, biennial; Isolation Distance, ½ mile

Kohlrabi is an insect pollinated biennial that doesn't flower and set seed until the following season. Leave ½ mile between the plants you want to save the seed of and any other Brassica oleracea to prevent crossing. The Brassica oleracea family is large, so be extra careful of what you have growing out to seed around you. After flowers have turned to seed pods, leave the seeds to mature and dry on the plant as long as possible before gathering. Once plant material is so dry it crumbles at your touch, carefully put the dry pods in a bag and process.