Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi - Enlarged stem

Kohlrabi or German turnip, is a type of cabbage plant that is cultivated for its swollen stem. Kohlrabi originates from Northern Europe.

The enlarged kohlrabi stem can be peeled and cooked, or is used raw in salads. Also the leaves are edible and are similar to collard greens and kale. Some varieties of kohlrabi are grown as feed for livestock.

Names

Scientific
   Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
English
   German turnip
   Kohlrabi
Dutch
   Koolrabi
French
   Chou-rave
German
   Kohlrabi
   Oberkohlrabi
   Oberrübe
   Rübkohl
   Stängelrübe

Taxonomy

Genus
   Brassica
Family
   Brassicaceae
Order
   Brassicales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

Northern Europe

Distribution:

Europe (especially in Germany, Netherlands), South and South-East Asia (India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, etc.)

Annual, biennial, or perennial:

Kohlrabi is a biennial plant but cultivated as an annual. If not harvested, in the second year the plant will flower and produce seed.

Stem:

Kohlrabi is cultivated for its swollen stem, which looks a bit like a turnip.

Climate and weather:

Grows in temperate climates.

Height:

Kohlrabi can grow 25 to 40 cm tall.

Spacing:

Kohlrabi is grown in rows 45 to 60 cm apart. Sow within the row about 3 m apart and later thin healthy seedlings to a spacing of 12 to 20 cm. Thinned seedlings can be transplanted.

Propagation:

Grow from seed by direct seeding or transplanting.

Harvesting:

Harvest kohlrabi stems when they are about 7 to 10 cm in diameter, which is when they are still tender. Cut them from the base of the plant. Leaves can be removed and can also be used as a vegetable.

Uses:

Kohlrabi is a stem vegetable. The enlarged stem is eaten cooked or raw. Leaves are also edible and can be used as a leaf vegetable. Some varieties of kohlrabi are grown as cattle feed.

Did you know that?

The name of the plant can sometimes create some confusion. Kohlrabi is also called ‘German turnip”, but ‘turnip’ is a different vegetable.
Also in Dutch name, the name ‘koolrabi’ could be confused with ‘koolraap’, which is a different vegetable