History & Origin

Kohlrabi comes from the German word "kohl" meaning cabbage and "rabi" meaning turnip. This unusual looking vegetable originated in northern Europe and was not known 500 years ago. Kohlrabi did not become known in the United States until 1800. Kohlrabi tastes like cabbage but is sweeter.

When to Plant

Plant seeds in the early spring before the heat of summer. Plant seeds in mid-summer for a fall harvest.

Spacing and Depth

Kohlrabi Seedling

Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Thin the seedlings to two to five inches apart.

Special Care

Keep weeds out. Water well.

Harvesting

Harvest it when the first stems are about one inch in diameter. Continue to harvest until the stems are the size of a tennis ball. Bigger stems than that get tough and woody and will not taste good. The young leaves of kohlrabi can be cooked as greens. Kohlrabi grows quickly from seed to harvest taking about 45 - 50 days.

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