Organic Purple Vienna Kohlrabi Seeds

Similar in shape to White Vienna kohlrabi, this root crop produces an edible purple root that forms above ground. Mildly sweet with a touch of turnip and cabbage flavors.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop for Zones 9 and 10. It should be started from seed in the fall and transplanted out. Kohlrabi needs a consistent supply of moisture to be happy. Irrigating the crop regularly in Zones 9 and 10 is critical to a happy harvest.

Zones 2-8

• Seeds can be started indoors four weeks before the last frost to be planted out after the danger of frost has passed.

Planting Kohlrabi Seeds

• Kohlrabi seeds are best planted in starter pots and transplanted out.
• If you are starting the seeds for a fall planting in Zones 9 and 10, you will want to start your seeds in a cool environment. This can be indoors, under the shade of a tree, in a cooled greenhouse, or in a shade house. Kohlrabi transplants will not thrive in high temperatures. We recommend you find the coolest area of your garden and construct a temporary shade house using our shade cloth. This will keep your transplants healthy until it is cool enough to transplant them out.
• When planting your kohlrabi seeds, plant them on top of thoroughly moistened, high-quality seed starting soil. Cover the seeds with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil.
• Once your seedlings have germinated and have a set of true leaves you will need to regularly fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer to ensure happy plants.
• Transplant out kohlrabi plants when they are about 5-6″ tall. Kohlrabi should be planted in a full sun location with fertile and well-draining soils. It is a good practice to incorporate compost and a granular fertilizer into the soil before you plant. Kohlrabi plants are heavy feeders.
• Space plants at least 4″ apart.

Growing Kohlrabi

• Kohlrabi grows best planted under full sun in mild and cool temperatures. Products like shade cloth and row cover can help your crop thrive.
• Quick growth is essential for the best-tasting crop. Water and nutrients should be given as needed.

Succession Planting Kohlrabi

• For a steady flow of kohlrabi, we strongly suggest that you succession plant at 4-week intervals so that you always have a fresh harvest.

Growing Kohlrabi in Containers

• Kohlrabi can be grown in a container, but they need adequate space. If you are planting in containers, make sure your container is at least 20″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top of the soil to help regulate soil moisture.

Harvesting Kohlrabi

• The edible bulbs that grow above the ground can be harvested when measuring about 3-4″ across. Cut the stem (below the bulb) close to the soil level or uproot the entire plant. Leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. Harvested bulbs can keep for several weeks in a cool, dry place. Kohlrabi bulbs have a mild flavor reminiscent of turnip and cabbage.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, kohlrabi can be a difficult crop. Make sure you grow them in the cool season and protect small seedlings from high temperatures and lack of moisture.
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Kohlrabi plants look beautiful when they are interplanted with companion flowers that help with destructive insects. We recommend you plant alyssum, nasturtium, and poppies around your kohlrabi for a beautiful and bountiful garden.
• Try our White Kohlrabi alongside your Purple Kohlrabi for added color.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to kohlrabi at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.