KOHLRABI - PURPLE VIENNA

  Organic Kohlrabi PURPLE VIENNA 

        50 Seeds Pack   

Kohlrabi, native to Northern Europe, has roots dating back to sometime before the 16th century. The Purple Kohlrabi Vienna, also indigenous to northern Europe, has been under cultivation since ancient times. This particular variety is medium to large, featuring a round, bulbous stem measuring around 7-10 centimetres in diameter. Long leafy greens grow directly from the stem, creating a distinctive appearance. The swollen stem has a purple, firm, thick, and smooth skin, adorned with multiple layers of rosette-shaped, dark green leaves. Beneath the skin, the flesh exhibits a bright white to ivory colour, being aqueous, dense, and crisp, with a subtle, cabbage-like scent. Purple Kohlrabi is known for its juicy and crunchy texture, offering a mild, peppery, and sweet flavour reminiscent of broccoli, cabbage, and cucumber.

PLANTING & GROWING

If you reside in an area with consistently higher temperatures, it's advisable to provide turnips with some shade to prevent bolting. Alternatively, consider timing your planting to avoid the peak of summer heat. With proper mulching, turnips can endure overwintering in various climate zones.

For a continuous harvest, sow turnips successively between the end of February and the conclusion of August. To yield a late autumn or winter crop, opt for a purple variety and sow from July to the end of August. Germination typically occurs within approximately 10 days, and a 10-foot row can produce around 20 globes.

When sowing, plant turnip seeds very thinly, about 1cm (½in) deep, with a spacing of 7.5cm (3in) apart in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Ensure the seeds are covered with soil.

While turnips do not demand excessive nutrients, incorporating a balanced, organic compost into the soil at the initial planting stage and adding it every few weeks can be beneficial.

To maintain soil health, adopt a 2- to 3-year rotation away from other members of the brassica family.

Turnips thrive in the company of beets, herbs, potatoes, and members of the onion family. However, it's recommended to avoid planting them near tomatoes, strawberries, and beans.