Kohlrabi Seeds (Heirloom)

Heirloom kohlrabi is a cool-season annual that grows well in zones 2 through 10. It is one of the lesser-known vegetables in the United States. Heirloom kohlrabi, a member of the brassica family, is grown for its bulb-like swelling stem. Raw kohlrabi, which comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to purple to green, is crisp and delicious, almost like biting into a fresh apple! There are two heirloom varieties available from Eden Brothers. You won't be able to get enough of garden-fresh heirloom kohlrabi after you've tried it.

Growing heirloom kohlrabi seeds in your garden

  • Thrives in bright, sunny growing areas
  • A cool-season annual with a delicious, edible stem
  • Taste and texture is similar to that of broccoli stems
  • Can help improve metabolism and is high in calcium and magnesium

Growing heirloom kohlrabi seeds in your garden

  • Thrives in bright, sunny growing areas
  • A cool-season annual with a delicious, edible stem
  • Taste and texture is similar to that of broccoli stems
  • Can help improve metabolism and is high in calcium and magnesium

Grow the best heirloom kohlrabi in your vegetable garden

If you aren't already cultivating this tasty root vegetable in your yard, you should start! Heirloom kohlrabi, like other brassicas, is a nutritious cool-season crop that tastes great. This two-season crop may be planted in the spring or the fall, but because the entire plant is only harvested once, we suggest you grow numerous plants so you can enjoy numerous heirloom kohlrabi bulbs throughout the season!

How to plant heirloom kohlrabi seeds

Direct-seeding heirloom kohlrabi four to six weeks before the final spring frost works wonderfully. Once seedlings have two sets of genuine leaves, thin seedlings to four inches apart. Start your heirloom kohlrabi seeds inside six to eight weeks before the first fall frost for a fall harvest. When seedlings are about four inches tall, they are ready to be transferred outside; place seedlings four to six inches apart to allow the bulbs to completely develop. Heirloom kohlrabi enjoys full sun and well-draining, nutritious soil for planting, although it does benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter locations to shield this cool-season annual from excessive heat.

Types and tastes of the kohlrabi vegetable

Heirloom kohlrabi develops swiftly, and bulbs are ready to harvest in two months or when they are at least two inches in diameter. Depending on the kind, kohlrabi bulbs can be white, green, or purple, but the flavor is comparable to that of a salad turnip, but sweeter. Heirloom kohlrabi tastes best after a frost because the low temperatures bring out a delightful, sweet flavor that will make you marvel how a vegetable can taste so much like a fruit.

The nutritional value of Heirloom Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi, like other brassicas, is a nutritious powerhouse. Kohlrabi is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which assist the body fight infections and inflammation. Kohlrabi is also high in fiber, which is essential for digestive health.

Cut the base of the bulb at ground level to harvest heirloom kohlrabi. Trim and discard the stems (or preserve them for a tasty veggie soup!) If you don't take the skin off the bulb, it will taste bitter. Eat it raw like an apple, slice it up and bake it in the oven, or toss it into a hearty stew! Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable with a plethora of fascinating ways to use it in your cooking. Another advantage of heirloom kohlrabi is that it doesn't have to be used right away; the bulbs may be stored in the fridge for up to three weeks (if you can resist eating them all at once!).

Choose from the best heirloom kohlrabi varieties

Choose from heritage kohlrabi varieties like Eden Brothers' Heirloom White Vienna Kohlrabi or Purple Vienna Kohlrabi. Alternatively, save yourself the hassle and grow a few of each! We're convinced you'll be smitten by this unusual cruciferous veggie.

For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting heirloom kohlrabi seeds, see the Kohlrabi Seeds Planting Guide.