Kohlrabi – Early White Vienna

Kohlrabi – ‘Early White Vienna’

• Growing Temp 55°F – 75°F

• Days to Maturity 50-60 days

Ease of Cultivation and Unique Flavor: ‘Early White Vienna’ kohlrabi is an easy-to-grow cool-season crop known for its crisp, bulbous stem and mild, sweet flavor. It is a great option for home gardeners and can be grown in both spring and fall. Kohlrabi can be eaten raw, sliced into salads, or cooked in stir-fries, soups, or roasted as a side dish.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant ‘Early White Vienna’ kohlrabi seeds outdoors in early spring or late summer, when the temperatures are cooler. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Germination occurs in 5-10 days. This variety prefers fertile, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. Keep the soil evenly moist, and thin seedlings to their final spacing. You can expect to start harvesting in 50-60 days.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To start seedlings indoors, sow ‘Early White Vienna’ seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Plant them 1/4 inch deep in seed trays filled with a quality potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 60°F-70°F for optimal germination. Once the seedlings develop 2-3 true leaves and the weather has warmed, transplant them outdoors, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in the garden. Water well after transplanting.

Harvesting: ‘Early White Vienna’ kohlrabi is ready for harvest when the stem bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter, usually 50-60 days after sowing. The stems should be firm and tender, not tough or woody. Harvest by cutting the bulb at the base, leaving the root in the soil to decompose. For the best flavor and texture, harvest kohlrabi when it is young and tender, and before it becomes overly large.