Kohlrabi Seeds, Early Purple Vienna

The Early Purple Vienna Kohlrabi is a stunning heirloom variety prized for its unique purple-skinned bulbs, crisp texture, and mildly sweet flavor. This cool-weather crop adds vibrant color and fresh taste to your garden and kitchen. A dependable, early-maturing variety, it’s ideal for gardeners looking for a visually striking and nutritious vegetable.

Key Benefits

• Unique Appearance: Beautiful deep-purple skin with tender, creamy-white flesh inside.
• Early Maturity: Ready to harvest in just 50–60 days, ensuring a quick and rewarding crop.
• Rich in Nutrients: High in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Dual-Purpose Crop: Both the bulbs and young leaves are edible, adding versatility to meals.
• Cold Hardy: Thrives in cool climates and tolerates light frost.

Variety Features

• Bulb Characteristics: Flattened, globe-shaped bulbs with a smooth, vibrant purple exterior.
• Growth Habit: Compact plants with upright green-purple leaves.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, nutty taste with a crisp, juicy texture, similar to a mild radish or turnip.
• Yield: Prolific producer with uniform bulbs.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Cool Weather Crop: Best grown in early spring or late summer to early fall.
• Prefers temperatures between 40°F–75°F (4°C–24°C).

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in loose, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart, with rows 12–18 inches apart.
• Soil Requirements: Grows best in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun, though it tolerates light shade in hot climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Maintain evenly moist soil; water about 1 inch per week.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent cracking and root rot.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting and mid-growth for robust development.

Weeding and Mulching

• Use mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Keep the area weed-free to minimize competition.

Thinning

• Thin seedlings when they are 2–3 inches tall to ensure proper spacing and bulb growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Guard against aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles by using organic pest control methods or row covers.
• Diseases: Prevent issues like clubroot and powdery mildew by practicing crop rotation and maintaining good garden hygiene.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Ready to harvest in 50–60 days.
• Ideal Size: Harvest bulbs when they are 2–3 inches in diameter for the best flavor and texture.
• Leaves: Tender, young leaves can be harvested for salads or sautéed as greens.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store unwashed bulbs in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Long-Term: Peel and blanch bulbs before freezing for extended storage.

Culinary Uses

• Raw: Shave or slice into salads, slaws, or as a crunchy snack with dips.
• Cooked: Roast, steam, or sauté for a sweet, tender addition to meals.
• Soup and Stews: Adds mild, nutty flavor and texture when cooked.
• Pickling: Makes delicious pickles for a tangy treat.

Conclusion

The Early Purple Vienna Kohlrabi brings beauty, flavor, and nutrition to your garden. With its striking purple color, quick growth, and adaptability, it’s a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it an essential addition to your cool-season crops.