Vienna kohlrabi, which are known botanically as Brassica Oleracea, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing vienna kohlrabi as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Vienna Kohlrabi
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the vienna kohlrabi seeds spring planting should occur as soon as soil can be worked and after last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when vienna kohlrabi are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Vienna Kohlrabi the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing vienna kohlrabi in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your vienna kohlrabi grow. Generally, your soil should be loamy, well-drained soil with high organic matter. Soil PH levels should be around 5.5 to 6.8.
2′ apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 3′ apart. 6″ apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 18″ apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about .25″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your vienna kohlrabi seedlings when plants are 3″ tall, thin to 6″ apart.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Vienna Kohlrabi
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your vienna kohlrabi. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your vienna kohlrabi should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Vienna Kohlrabi
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your vienna kohlrabi do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your vienna kohlrabi begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Vienna Kohlrabi to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your vienna kohlrabi grow.
It takes approximately 10-12 days to germinate, and a total of 55 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Vienna Kohlrabi
The best time to harvest your vienna kohlrabi is when young, between golf ball and tennis ball size.
Vienna kohlrabi can grow up to about 18″ tall.
What Can Vienna Kohlrabi Be Used For?
Food Use: Great boiled, creamed, frozen, or fresh in salads.
Flavor Profile: Tender and mild.
Can Vienna Kohlrabi Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you will ideally need a 16″ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your vienna kohlrabi around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Vienna Kohlrabi Safe for Bees?
Yes, vienna kohlrabi are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing vienna kohlrabi is bee-friendly.
