{"product_id":"purple-vienna-kohlrabi-heirloom-seeds","title":"Purple Vienna Kohlrabi Heirloom Seeds","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePurple Vienna Kohlrabi (\u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c\/em\u003e var. \u003cem\u003egongylodes\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the oldest and most distinctively beautiful vegetables in the European kitchen garden tradition. Developed in Austria in the early 19th century and named for the city of Vienna, it was among the first kohlrabi varieties to reach American gardens, appearing in seed catalogs by the 1860s. Its striking purple skin — covering crisp, ivory-white flesh — made it as much a garden ornament as a kitchen staple. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, Purple Vienna remains the gold standard heirloom kohlrabi: fast-growing, dependable, and genuinely delicious in a way that grocery store kohlrabi rarely is.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55–60 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBulb Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–3 inches in diameter at peak eating quality; larger bulbs become woody\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor\/Appearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep vivid purple skin; crisp, juicy white flesh; upright stems with blue-green leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–12 inches; compact, upright habit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cool-season annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFlavor Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePurple Vienna Kohlrabi has a flavor that sits somewhere between a mild turnip and the heart of a broccoli stem — sweet, crisp, and refreshing with just a hint of peppery brassica bite. The flesh is remarkably juicy and tender when harvested at 2–3 inches, making it one of the finest raw vegetables in the garden. Peel and slice thin for slaws and salads, cube and roast until caramelized, or simply eat standing in the garden with a pinch of salt. The flavor is mild enough for those who typically shy away from brassicas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Type \u0026amp; Harvest Yields\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKohlrabi is a cool-season crop that grows rapidly from seed to harvest in just 55–60 days. The edible part is the swollen stem — technically not a root, but an above-ground bulb that forms just above the soil line. Plants are compact and productive; succession plant every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Spring plantings should go in as soon as soil can be worked; fall plantings from midsummer through late summer are often the most productive as cooler temperatures intensify sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDisease Resistance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood resistance to clubroot compared to many brassicas when soil pH is maintained above 7.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerate resistance to cabbage root fly with proper crop rotation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSusceptible to cabbage worm and aphids — monitor undersides of leaves; row covers early in season provide excellent protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid waterlogged soil; good drainage prevents stem splitting and root disease\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRotate brassica family crops every 3–4 years to prevent soil-borne disease buildup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips \u0026amp; Planting Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–6 inches between plants; rows 12–18 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e ¼–½ inch deep\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10 days at 45–85°F; kohlrabi is cold-tolerant and germinates in cool soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade; tolerates light shade better than most vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, well-draining soil with consistent moisture; pH 6.5–7.5; amend with compost before planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Consistent moisture is critical — irregular watering causes woody texture and cracked bulbs; mulch to retain soil moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow or transplant; thin to 5–6 inches when seedlings are established; harvest promptly at 2–3 inches — do not let bulbs exceed 3 inches or texture becomes tough and woody\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhen to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpring: direct sow 4–6 weeks before last frost or as soon as soil can be worked. Fall: sow 8–10 weeks before first expected frost for a sweeter autumn harvest. Kohlrabi is one of the most cold-tolerant brassicas and can handle light frosts after establishment. Not sure of your zone? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\"\u003eCheck the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompanion Plants \u0026amp; Mutual Benefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOnions \u0026amp; Garlic\u003c\/strong\u003e — deter aphids and cabbage worms that commonly affect kohlrabi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeets\u003c\/strong\u003e — complement kohlrabi’s shallow root zone; share space efficiently\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerbs (Dill, Mint, Sage)\u003c\/strong\u003e — repel cabbage moths and attract beneficial predatory insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLettuce\u003c\/strong\u003e — fills space between slower-maturing plants; acts as a living mulch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNasturtiums\u003c\/strong\u003e — trap crop for aphids; keep aphid pressure off kohlrabi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid planting near: tomatoes (compete for nutrients), strawberries (inhibited by brassicas), and pole beans (mutual growth inhibition)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Enjoy\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeel and slice raw into thin rounds for a fresh, crisp crudité that outshines anything from the grocery store. Shred into a bright slaw with apple, lemon, and a handful of fresh herbs. Cube and roast at high heat with olive oil and salt until the edges caramelize and the interior turns silky-tender. Slice into stir-fries where the mild flavor absorbs sauces beautifully without losing its texture. Hollow out larger bulbs and stuff with a savory filling for an elegant presentation. Add the young leaves to salads — they are entirely edible and mild.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love Purple Vienna Kohlrabi\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStunning garden ornament\u003c\/strong\u003e — vivid purple bulbs swelling above the soil are one of the most striking sights in the spring or fall kitchen garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRapid maturity\u003c\/strong\u003e — harvest in just 55–60 days, one of the fastest cool-season crops available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional raw eating\u003c\/strong\u003e — crisp, juicy, and sweet; a revelation for anyone who has only tried grocery store kohlrabi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold-hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e — handles frost and thrives in both spring and fall shoulder seasons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace efficient\u003c\/strong\u003e — compact 10–12 inch plants fit easily in raised beds and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTrue European heirloom\u003c\/strong\u003e — open-pollinated, seed-saveable, and nearly two centuries of garden history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHarvest Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to harvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e At 2–3 inches in diameter — firm, smooth, and before any cracking; prompt harvesting is essential for tender texture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow to cut\/handle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut at the base with a sharp knife; remove leaves (save for cooking); refrigerate unwashed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCuring \u0026amp; storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e No curing needed; store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks; keeps best with leaves removed and stem trimmed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSeed Saving\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKohlrabi is biennial — it requires two seasons to set seed in most climates. In mild winter climates, leave a few plants in the ground through winter; they will bolt and flower in spring. In cold climates, dig roots in fall and store through winter at 32–40°F, then replant in spring. Allow seed pods to fully dry on the plant before harvesting. Store seeds in a labeled airtight container in a cool, dry location. Purple Vienna Kohlrabi seeds remain viable for 3–5 years under proper storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrder Today\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrow the kohlrabi that Viennese gardeners have been harvesting for two centuries. Order your Purple Vienna Kohlrabi heirloom seeds today and discover why this stunning, rapid-maturing brassica earns a permanent place in every serious kitchen garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Garden Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Starter Pack of 10 seeds","offer_id":53981700194618,"sku":null,"price":0.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Garden Pack of 25 seeds - 🌱 Best Value","offer_id":53981700227386,"sku":null,"price":2.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1003\/7850\/9626\/files\/purple-vienna-kohlrabi-harvest-shot.png?v=1788197740","url":"https:\/\/gardenheirloomseeds.com\/products\/purple-vienna-kohlrabi-heirloom-seeds","provider":"Garden Heirloom Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}