Kohlrabi

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes

CULTURE:
Kohlrabi prefers mild or cool weather. It is grown throughout the season in the North, and during fall and winter in the South. Sow 15 seeds/ft., 1/4- 1/2" deep, in rows 12-18" apart. Thin fresh-market varieties to 4" between plants. Thin storage varieties to 10" between plants. For earliest crops start in flats or plug trays and transplant. Fertile, well-irrigated soil promotes rapid growth, which makes for a sweeter flavored crop. Harvest when roots are about 2-3" diameter; 8" diameter for storage varieties.

DISEASES:
Adhere strictly to a preventive program including: (1) long crop rotations with non-brassica crops, (2) clean starting mixes and outdoor seedbeds, and (3) strict sanitation practices. Johnny's Selected Seeds only sells seed lots of kohlrabi that have tested negative for black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) and black leg (Phoma lingam).

DAYS TO MATURITY:
From direct seeding; for days to maturity from transplanting, subtract about 14 days.