Description

Early White Vienna Kohlrabi Seeds (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) – The Cabbage-Stemmed Heirloom Classic

Grow a timeless novelty favorite with Early White Vienna Kohlrabi, a pre-1860 heirloom that’s as delicious as it is unique! This cool-season gem produces crisp, pale-green bulbs that swell above ground like little alien turnips, with sweet, mild white flesh that tastes like a tender, cabbage-flavored apple. Enjoy it raw in salads and slaws for refreshing crunch, or cook it—steam, roast, stir-fry, or mash—for a versatile, low-carb staple. High-yielding, cold-hardy, and incredibly reliable, it’s a go-to crop for extending your harvest season in spring and fall.

Compact plants make it perfect for small gardens, containers, or succession planting—ideal for Nova Scotia’s climate and gardeners who want big flavor from a fast, frost-tolerant veggie.

• Sweet & Crisp Bulbs – Mild, cabbage-like flavor with apple-crisp texture—excellent raw or cooked
• Above-Ground Wonder – Pale green, globe-shaped bulbs sit proudly on the soil—fun and ornamental
• Cold-Hardy Heirloom – Thrives in cool weather; tolerates light frost and even gets sweeter after a chill
• Fast & Prolific – Ready in just 55 days; high yields make it a staple for continuous harvests
• Versatile Novelty – Slice into chips, grate into slaws, roast with herbs—endless ways to enjoy
• Days to Maturity: 55 days
• Sun Exposure: 6–12 hours of full sun
• Sprouts: 6–9 days
• Seed Depth: 1/4 inch
• Plant Spacing: 6–8 inches
• Ideal Temperature: 45–80°F
• Frost Hardy: Yes (light frosts improve flavor)

Growing Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

Growing Tips

Early White Vienna kohlrabi loves cool weather (45–80°F) and full sun for best bulb development. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8—amend with compost before planting. Keep soil consistently moist (about 1 inch of water per week) to prevent cracking or woody bulbs. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This variety is low-maintenance but benefits from occasional balanced organic fertilizer.

When to Grow

Direct sow every 2–3 weeks from 2 weeks before your last spring frost to 2–4 weeks before your first autumn frost. It’s hardy enough to handle light frosts, which often sweetens the flavor. In cooler regions like our Nova Scotia farm, succession planting ensures a steady supply through spring and fall. Not sure about your frost dates? Check our blog post “Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources” for local guidance.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced 12–18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart once they emerge. For an earlier start, sow indoors 4–6 weeks before transplanting outside (harden off seedlings first). Succession sowing every few weeks keeps fresh bulbs coming all season.

How to Grow

Water regularly and evenly—irregular moisture causes splitting. Thin to the strongest plants for full-sized bulbs. Watch for pests like cabbage worms or flea beetles (use row covers or organic sprays if needed). Good airflow helps prevent fungal issues. Harvest when bulbs are 2–4 inches across (tennis-ball size) for peak tenderness—pull gently or cut at the base.