Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea, Gongylodes Group), sometimes called stem turnip or cabbage turnip, an important Canadian garden vegetable of the Cruciferae family. Seedlings and leaves resemble those of most cole crops (eg, broccoli; cauliflower). Plant height ranges 25-40 cm. The edible part of the kohlrabi is an enlargement of a small portion of the above-ground stem. In shape the swollen stem varies from nearly round to a flattened globe; in outer colour, from greenish white to reddish purple.

Kohlrabi is cold tolerant, like cabbage. It matures in 45-60 days and can be direct seeded, but a greenhouse or hotbed start results in earlier maturity. Insect pests and diseases include aphids, cabbage worms, damping-off and blackleg. Kohlrabi is a good source of potassium. It is a common Canadian garden crop, but the commercial production is limited to large-city market gardens.