Seeds, Kohlrabi Purple Vienna (West Coast Seeds)

Purple skin covers faintly greenish-white flesh with superb flavour. The tops are small, and the leaves are both colourful and edible. Just treat them like you would kale. Harvest the attractive purple kohlrabis at 6cm (2½") in diameter for the finest texture. Direct sow in early spring for a summer harvest, and again in August to harvest in the cool weather of the fall and winter. This is the most economical kohlrabi to use for microgreens, and their flavour is exceptional.

Matures in 55-69 days. (Open-pollinated seeds)

Timing
Direct sow several times during the four to six weeks after the last frost date for a crop to mature starting in about 8 weeks. Sow again after mid-July to early August for fall and winter crops. Planting between mid-May and mid-July causes kohlrabi to mature in hot weather, resulting in inferior bulbs. In short season areas, start kohlrabi indoors in cell trays about 4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant out once day time temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F). Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-30°C (50-85°F). Seeds should germinate in 7-10 days.

Starting
Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep with plants spaced 10-15cm (4-6″) apart in rows 30-45cm (12-18″) apart.

Companion Planting
A worthy companion for beets, Brassicas, cucumbers, and onions. Avoid planting near peppers, pole beans, strawberries, and tomatoes.