Kohlrabi Seeds,
Early Purple Vienna

Direct sow in rich soil every 2-3 weeks from 2-4 weeks before the last spring frost, making the last fall sowing about 8-10 weeks before the first autumn frost so the bulbs have the 55 days they need. Kohlrabi is particularly well-suited for fall planting, as cooler temperatures can enhance the sweetness of the bulbs​.If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 1 inch apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 6-8 inches apart to allow enough room for the bulbs to develop. If transplanting seedlings started indoors, do so when they have 3-4 true leaves and have been hardened off for about a week​.

Kohlrabi requires consistent moisture to avoid woody bulbs, so water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost halfway through the growing season. Kohlrabi is a light feeder but benefits from added potassium and calcium for strong growth. Companion planting with onions, beets, and cucumbers can help deter pests, while avoiding plants like strawberries and tomatoes can prevent disease issues.

• Like its cabbage cousins, kohlrabi is a biennial and must be overwintered to produce seeds.
• Kohlrabi is hardy down to 20 F. Those in areas with mild winters should have no issue keeping plants alive over winter.
• In cooler regions, kohlrabi must be dug up and overwintered in sand in the root cellar. Kohlrabi stored this way should not be allowed to dry up and may need light watering while in storage.
• Replant them after the last frost and allow them to go to seed.
• Pick the seed pods after they are thoroughly dried and place them in a cloth bag. You will need to use a hammer or step on the stubborn pods to free the seeds.
• Separate seeds from the chaff (leaf, pod, and stem trash) and store them in glass jars in the refrigerator.