Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

BRASSICA oleracea 'Purple Vienna'

Image of Brassica oleracea 'Purple Vienna' (Gongylodes Group)

James H. Schutte

Family

Brassicaceae

Botanical Name

BRASSICA oleracea 'Purple Vienna'( Gongylodes Group)

Plant Common Name

Kohlrabi

General Description

The rich purple bulbs of 'Purple Vienna' kohlrabi are sweet with crisp, white flesh. Bulbs mature quickly and are ready to harvest 55 days after planting from transplants. This is an ideal kohlrabi for market because it's both beautiful and delicious. Plant when weather is cool, in spring, fall or winter where winters are mild and frost-free.

Grown for its sweet, crunchy, bulbous stems, kohlrabi is one of many crops that descend from Brassica oleracea, an annual or short-lived perennial from Western Europe. It is a cool weather crop that is best grown in spring, fall or in winter where hard freezes don’t occur. The name “kohlrabi” roughly translates to "cabbage-turnip" in German; when fully mature it develops a bulbous, turnip-like base that sits on top of the soil and has leaves protruding from it. It must be harvested immediately once it reaches maturity, otherwise it may become woody. It tastes great eaten cooked or raw. Both purple and white cultivars are available.

Kohlrabi is a cool weather crop that prefers full sun and fertile, organic-rich garden soil with ample drainage. It should be sown in early spring before temperatures heat up. Most cultivars take 45 to 50 days before they are ready to harvest. This easy to grow vegetable is a must for the summer veggie patch, and its unusual shape is appealing to children. As with all members of Brassica oleracea, it is essential to protect this crop from cabbage loopers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    6 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 11

  • Sunset Zone

    A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm

  • Width

    12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Europe, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Rosette/Stemless

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Purple, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Purple, Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Purple, Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Edible, Herb / Vegetable

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes