Kohl Rabi Purple Vienna ( Brassica oleracea ) is an old heirloom variety that was cultivated back in the 14th century, but still seems to be largely unknown in Australia! It has an excellent flavour with a turnip taste and has the texture of a potato; that some say has a hint of nuttiness. The name ‘Kohl Rabi’ translates to ‘Cabbage Turnip’ because this is basically what it is. Fast & easy growing, it is fantastic roasted; steamed; grilled; stir fried; or raw in salads; the leaves are also edible, this vegetable really shouldn’t be overlooked in the garden.
The Kohl Rabi is also called the German Turnip and is full of nutritious goodness. They are a source of fibre, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium, along with vitamins A; B: C & K. They also have health benefits that include assisting with weight loss; bone strength; preventing anaemia; eye health; digestion, blood pressure and as a cancer fighting food!
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Growth
This variety grows up to around 15-20 cm’s above ground, with roughly a 25 cm spread. Kohl Rabi Purple Vienna can be harvested once it is 3-7 cm’s in diameter and are best harvested when smaller, because they can become woody with age. The leaves and stems are also edible and are often used as a kale or spinach substitute. It is suitable for any climate if sown at the right time of year and is ready for harvest from seed between 50-60 days depending on conditions. Kohl Rabi can be grown in containers / pots.
We always recommend growing your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control, keep in mind that there are always organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
See germination instructions in the tab below for further details.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Brassicaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 30°C / 41 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Like all Brassica’s, Kohl Rabi grows best in compost rich soils with chicken manure.
LOCATION:
Full sun, will tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 20 cm’s (8 inches) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 25 cm’s (10 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Biennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees, wind, self-pollinating.
MATURITY:
Average 50-60 days
GERMINATION RATES:
88%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 18-23°C / 64-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 240
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT BRASSICA OLERACEA (Kohl Rabi)
Kohl Rabi stores well in the fridge and will stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks; it can also be frozen and enjoyed later.
This vegetable was first recorded in Northern Europe in the 14th century but grew in popularity and by the 16th century could be found in Ireland; England; Germany; Spain and Italy, By the 18th century it was also cultivated in the United States.
For more information on the benefits of Kohl Rabi click here.
