Purple Vienna Kohlrabi - 10 Seeds

Purple Vienna Kohlrabi is a striking heirloom vegetable with a vivid purple skin and crisp white flesh. It forms a round, turnip-like swollen stem above ground, which is sweet, mild, and slightly nutty in flavour — often compared to a blend of cabbage and apple. Both the bulb and tender young leaves are edible. Fast-growing and easy to cultivate, it's perfect for cool-season planting in garden beds or containers.

Best Planting Time

Sow from late summer to early spring (Feb–Sep), when temperatures are cooler.

Ideal for autumn and winter growing in most South African regions.

Temperature

Grows best in temperatures between 10–24°C

Can tolerate light frost, but extreme heat may cause it to become woody or bolt.

Soil Preparation

Prefers loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Soil pH should be 6.0–7.0

Work compost into soil to a depth of 20–25 cm

Sowing

Direct sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist soil.

Space seeds 5–10 cm apart in rows 30–40 cm apart.

Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart once established.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, watering 2–3 times per week depending on weather.

Avoid waterlogging, but do not let soil dry out — uneven watering can affect bulb development.

Sunlight

Needs full sun — at least 6 hours per day

Fertilisation

Feed with a balanced fertiliser every 3–4 weeks

Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers, which promote leafy growth over bulb development.

Harvesting

Ready to harvest in 45–60 days

Bulbs are best picked when they are 5–8 cm in diameter — larger ones can become woody.

Use a knife to cut the bulb at the base; remove the fibrous outer layer if needed.

Leaves can be cooked like spinach or kale — harvest while tender.

Container Growing (Optional)

Use pots at least 20 cm deep and wide

Ensure excellent drainage and full sun exposure

Space one plant per 20–25 cm pot