Discover the unique crunch and mild, sweet flavor of kohlrabi by growing your own from seed! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, planting kohlrabi seeds offers a rewarding way to add nutrition and variety to your meals. This guide will help you choose the best kohlrabi seeds for a bountiful, delicious harvest right from your garden.
Comparison Table: Popular Types of Kohlrabi Seeds
| Variety Name | Color(s) | Days to Maturity | Key Features | Best For | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early White Vienna | Light Green | 55-60 | Early, classic heirloom | Spring, Summer | Mild flavor, quick harvest |
| Purple Vienna | Purple | 60-65 | Distinct color, heirloom | Summer, Fall | Colorful salads, stir-fry |
| Kossak Hybrid | Green | 80 | Extra-large bulbs, sweet | Fall, Storage | Grows up to 10 lbs, for storage |
| Kolibri F1 | Purple | 45-55 | Uniform size, hybrid, tender | All Seasons | Excellent holding, sweet |
| Winner F1 | Light Green | 49 | Early hybrid, bolt-resistant | Spring, Summer | Fruity notes, disease resistance |
| Sweetie Mixed | Green, Purple | 60-65 | Colorful mix | All Seasons | Diverse harvest, adds vibrancy |
| Azur Star | Purple | 60 | Bolting resistance | Spring, Fall | Fast, crisp, juicy bulbs |
| Konan F1 | Pale Green | 50 | Reliable hybrid, tender | Summer, Fall | Consistent, smooth bulbs |
Everyday Usage of Kohlrabi Seeds
Kohlrabi is a versatile member of the cabbage family, cherished for its bulbous stem that delivers a crisp texture and subtly sweet flavor. When you grow kohlrabi from seed, you open up a host of culinary possibilities:
- Raw: Slice and use in salads, slaws, or as a crunchy snack. Its mild taste is akin to a cross between a turnip and an apple.
- Cooked: Roast, sauté, steam, or stir-fry. Its sweet, nutty flavor shines when cooked, similar to mild cabbage.
- Leaves: Don’t overlook the nutritious leaves—use them as you would kale or spinach in soups, sautés, or smoothies.
Kohlrabi seeds allow you to enjoy this underappreciated vegetable fresh from your garden, with the added satisfaction of growing your own unique produce.
Benefits of Growing Kohlrabi from Seeds
Kohlrabi offers several standout benefits for both home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts:
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber, kohlrabi supports immune health and digestion.
- Easy to Grow: Robust against pests and diseases, especially because the edible bulb forms above ground—out of reach of most soil insects.
- Adaptable: Thrives in spring and fall, perfect for extending the growing season. Many varieties can be harvested young for baby bulbs or allowed to grow larger for bulkier harvests.
- High Yield in Small Space: Compact plants mean you can grow significant amounts even in limited beds or containers.
- Variety: Choice of colors (green, purple) and plant sizes—some hybrids excel as storage crops, others for quick early harvests.
- Unique Culinary Value: Brings fresh, crunchy, and mild flavors to dishes—raw or cooked.
How to Choose the Right Kohlrabi Seeds
Selecting the best kohlrabi seeds ensures a successful harvest. Here’s what to consider:
1. Variety Selection
- Color Preference: Green and purple varieties both offer similar flavor, but purple adds visual appeal.
- Maturity Speed: Some varieties (like Early White Vienna, Winner F1) mature quickly and suit shorter growing seasons.
- Size Potential: Want larger bulbs for storage or leaf harvest? Select varieties like Kossak Hybrid.
- Harvest Window: If you want a continuous harvest, look for mixes or varieties with staggered maturation.
- Disease Resistance: Modern hybrids such as Winner F1 and Kolibri F1 boast resistance to bolting, mildew, and Fusarium.
2. Cultivation Needs
- Spring vs. Fall Planting: Early maturing types are best for spring; storage or larger types perform well in fall.
- Temperature Tolerance: Most kohlrabi thrives in 65-75°F (18-24°C), withstanding brief cool spells.
- Organic/Heirloom vs. Hybrid: Heirlooms offer tradition and seed saving; hybrids often mean uniformity and resilience.
3. Intended Use
- Fresh Eating: Seek tender, sweet types (Kolibri F1, Early White Vienna).
- Storage: Go for large-bulbed types (Kossak Hybrid).
- Culinary Experimentation: Mixed color packs and unusual varieties give diverse results.
User Tips and Best Practices for Kohlrabi Seeds
Follow these practical tips to maximize your kohlrabi growing experience:
Sowing and Spacing
- Direct sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, with plants 4–6 inches apart.
- Rows should be spaced 12–24 inches apart. The more room, the larger the bulbs.
- For a continuous supply, sow a new batch every two weeks.
Timing
- Plant in early spring after soil reaches at least 45°F (7°C), or late summer for a fall crop.
- Indoors: Start seeds 4-6 weeks before transplanting to the garden—a good choice for an early harvest.
Growing Conditions
- Full sun and well-drained, fertile soil are ideal.
- Maintain consistent moisture for crisp, sweet bulbs.
- Mulch helps retain moisture and control weeds.
Harvesting
- For best flavor, harvest bulbs when 2-3 inches in diameter (except with large-storing types).
- Cut at the base with a sharp knife.
- In fall, a light frost can enhance sweetness.
Storage
- Store harvested bulbs in the fridge up to two weeks. For long-term storage, choose varieties bred for holding qualities.
Pest & Disease Management
- Kohlrabi is less susceptible to pests, as bulbs form above ground.
- Rotate crops and avoid planting with other brassicas to reduce disease risk.
Cooking & Eating
- Peel tough outer skin before using.
- Grate, slice thin, or cube for recipes.
- Young leaves are edible—use like kale or collard greens.
In-Depth Comparison Table: Technical Specifications of Kohlrabi Seed Varieties
| Variety | Days to Maturity | Type | Resistance/Tolerance | Bulb Color | Size at Maturity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early White Vienna | 55-60 | Heirloom | Moderate | Green | Small/Medium | Classic, quick; great for spring |
| Purple Vienna | 60-65 | Heirloom | Moderate | Purple | Small/Medium | Vivid color, traditional flavor |
| Kolibri F1 | 45-55 | Hybrid | Bolt/mildew resistant | Purple | Medium | Attractive, sweet, holds well |
| Winner F1 | 49 | Hybrid | High, esp. to bolting | Green | Medium | Consistent, fruity, productive |
| Azur Star | 60 | Hybrid | High, esp. to bolting | Purple | Medium | Early, crisp, does well cold |
| Kossak Hybrid | 80 | Hybrid | Good for storage/disease | Green | Large (up to 10lb) | Sweet flavors, stores well |
| Konan F1 | 50 | Hybrid | General stress resistance | Pale Green | Medium | Consistent, smooth bulbs |
| Sweetie Mixed | 60-65 | Mix | Varies (see types) | Green/Purple | Small/Medium | Offers harvest diversity |
Additional Practical Advice for Success
- Soil Preparation: Work compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting.
- Succession Planting: For non-stop harvests, sow every 2-3 weeks while conditions are cool.
- Crop Rotation: Change planting locations yearly to ward off soilborne pests and diseases.
- Support Pollinators: Allow some plants to flower for bees or seed saving.
- Seed Saving: Only possible with open-pollinated/heirloom varieties and if you prevent cross-pollination with other brassicas.
Related Video
Conclusion
Growing kohlrabi from seed is a rewarding way to enjoy a unique, nutritious, and versatile vegetable. By selecting the right variety for your climate, preferences, and culinary goals, you’ll harvest crisp, sweet bulbs that elevate any salad, stir-fry, or roast. Use the tips in this guide to maximize your yields and enjoy the best that kohlrabi has to offer—right from your own garden.
FAQ
-
What is kohlrabi and what does it taste like?
Kohlrabi is a cool-season vegetable in the cabbage family. Its bulbous stem is crisp and juicy, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor, similar to a blend of cabbage, broccoli stem, and radish (without the spice). -
Are the leaves of kohlrabi edible?
Yes. Kohlrabi leaves are edible and highly nutritious. Use them like kale, collards, or spinach in sautés, soups, or salads. -
What’s the difference between green and purple kohlrabi?
Green and purple kohlrabi differ mainly in color. Both taste similar—mild and sweet. Purple types add visual interest, especially raw in salads. -
Which kohlrabi variety is best for storage?
Kossak Hybrid is specifically bred for producing large, sweet bulbs that store well for months, especially when harvested in fall. -
How do I know when kohlrabi is ready to harvest?
Most varieties are best picked when bulbs are 2–3 inches in diameter. Larger bulbs may become woody, except with storage types bred for size. -
Can I start kohlrabi seeds indoors?
Absolutely. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant seedlings outside once soil has warmed to at least 45°F. -
How long does it take kohlrabi seeds to germinate?
Seeds germinate in 3–10 days, typically best at soil temperatures between 60–70°F. -
How much sun does kohlrabi need?
Kohlrabi loves full sun—at least 6 hours per day—for the best growth and flavor. -
What are common pests or diseases of kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is fairly pest-resistant. It can occasionally face cabbageworms and aphids. Crop rotation and covering young plants with row covers help reduce issues. -
Do I need to peel kohlrabi before eating?
Yes. The outer skin can become tough. Peel it before slicing or cooking for the best texture and taste.