Kohlrabi 'Early White Vienna' Growing Tool

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Kohlrabi 'Early White Vienna' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Kohlrabi 'Early White Vienna' · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter

pH6.0-7.5

Water1 inch per week, consistent moisture prevents woody texture

SeasonCool season

FlavorSweet, crisp, and mild with apple-turnip flavor

ColorPale green to white

Size2-4 inches diameter when harvested

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	March – August	April – August	April – July	June – September
Zone 4	March – August	April – August	April – August	June – October
Zone 5	March – August	April – September	April – August	May – October
Zone 6	February – August	March – September	March – August	May – October
Zone 7	February – September	March – September	March – September	April – November
Zone 8	January – October	February – October	February – September	April – December
Zone 9	January – November	January – November	January – October	March – December
Zone 10	January – December	January – December	January – November	February – December

Complete Growing Guide

Start your Early White Vienna kohlrabi journey by preparing a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Work in 2-3 inches of compost before planting, as kohlrabi thrives in fertile ground with a pH between 6.0-7.5. Avoid freshly manured soil, which can cause forking and tough bulbs.

For your first spring crop, direct sow seeds ¼ inch deep about 2-4 weeks before your last frost date when soil temperatures reach 45°F. In zones 3-6, this typically means mid to late April. Space seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, then thin to final spacing once seedlings emerge. If starting indoors, sow 4-6 weeks before transplant date in cell trays, keeping seedlings at 60-65°F.

Transplant indoor starts when they have 3-4 true leaves, usually 3-4 weeks after germination. Harden off for 5-7 days before transplanting, and plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce shock. Set transplants slightly deeper than they were growing in their containers.

Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting, then side-dress with nitrogen when bulbs begin forming (about 4 weeks after planting). Maintain consistent moisture with 1-1.5 inches weekly, using mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Inconsistent watering leads to woody, cracked bulbs.

Succession plant every 2-3 weeks through late summer for continuous harvests. In hot climates (zones 8-10), skip midsummer plantings and resume in late August for fall crops. Early White Vienna handles light frosts well, extending your harvest season.

Avoid the common mistake of letting bulbs grow too large – they become woody and lose their sweet flavor. Harvest when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter, regardless of what the calendar says about maturity dates.

Harvesting

Harvest Early White Vienna kohlrabi when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter, typically 55-65 days from seed. The bulbs should feel firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, unblemished pale green skin. Don't wait for larger sizes – oversized bulbs become fibrous and lose their signature sweet crunch.

Test readiness by gently pressing the bulb with your thumb; it should yield slightly but spring back. The leaves should still be vibrant and not yellowing. Harvest in early morning when plants are fully hydrated for maximum crispness.

Cut the bulb at ground level with a sharp knife, leaving the taproot in soil. Remove leaves immediately, cutting them off 1-2 inches above the bulb to prevent moisture loss. You can harvest individual bulbs as they reach size while leaving smaller ones to continue growing, extending your harvest window by 2-3 weeks.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh kohlrabi bulbs store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer, wrapped in perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity while allowing air circulation. Remove all leaves before storing, as they draw moisture from the bulb. Properly stored bulbs stay crisp for 3-4 weeks at 32-35°F.

For longer preservation, kohlrabi excels when pickled – slice thinly and quick-pickle in vinegar brine with spices for a tangy winter treat. Blanched and frozen kohlrabi cubes work well in soups and stews, though they lose their raw crunch. Ferment julienned kohlrabi like sauerkraut for a probiotic-rich condiment. The young, tender leaves can be dehydrated for use as seasoning or added fresh to salads within 2-3 days of harvest.

History & Origin

Early White Vienna kohlrabi traces its roots to the Mediterranean region, where ancient Romans first cultivated this unique brassica over 2,000 years ago. The name 'kohlrabi' derives from the German 'kohl' (cabbage) and 'rabi' (turnip), reflecting its flavor profile that puzzled early botanists trying to classify this alien-looking vegetable.

The 'Vienna' designation indicates this variety's development in Austria during the 1500s, where Habsburg court gardeners refined it for superior tenderness and rapid maturation. Austrian immigrants brought seeds to America in the 1800s, where it became a staple in German-American communities throughout the Midwest.

This heirloom variety gained popularity during both World Wars when victory gardeners appreciated its quick maturity and storage capabilities. While kohlrabi never achieved mainstream American acceptance like its cabbage cousins, Early White Vienna remained the gold standard among European-heritage gardeners who prized its reliability and sweet, apple-like crunch. Today, it's experiencing renewed interest among farm-to-table enthusiasts seeking unusual vegetables with superior flavor.

Advantages

+Exceptionally fast maturity at 55-65 days allows multiple harvests per season
+Superior cold tolerance survives light frosts and grows in cool spring/fall weather
+Naturally resistant to clubroot disease that devastates other brassicas
+Compact growth habit perfect for small gardens and intensive planting
+Dual-purpose harvest – young leaves excellent for salads, bulbs for cooking
+Long harvest window when succession planted every 2-3 weeks
+Outstanding storage life of 3-4 weeks maintains crisp texture

Considerations

-Bulbs quickly become woody and inedible if harvest is delayed past 3-inch diameter
-Susceptible to cabbage worms that can damage leaves and stress plants
-Requires consistent moisture – drought stress causes bitter, tough bulbs
-Heat sensitive and bolts quickly in temperatures above 75°F
-Flea beetles can riddle young seedlings with holes, stunting growth

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Onions

Repel cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles that commonly attack brassicas

Lettuce

Shallow roots don't compete, can be harvested before kohlrabi matures, provides living mulch

Radishes

Break up soil for kohlrabi's shallow roots, mature quickly, may trap flea beetles

Spinach

Cool season companion with similar growing requirements, doesn't compete for space

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cabbage worms and aphids

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, edible flowers add garden diversity

Carrots

Deep taproot doesn't compete with shallow kohlrabi roots, helps break up soil

Chives

Repel aphids and cabbage worms, improve flavor of nearby brassicas

Keep Apart

Tomatoes

Compete for nutrients and may stunt kohlrabi growth, different watering needs

Pole Beans

May inhibit kohlrabi growth through nitrogen competition and shading

Strawberries

Both are heavy feeders that compete for nutrients, different soil pH preferences

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good general disease tolerance, resistant to clubroot

Common Pests

Cabbage worms, flea beetles, aphids, root maggots

Diseases

Clubroot, black rot, downy mildew, powdery mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does kohlrabi Early White Vienna take to grow?▼

Early White Vienna kohlrabi typically matures in 55-65 days from seed to harvest. You can start harvesting when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter, usually around 8 weeks after planting. Cool weather may extend this timeline by 1-2 weeks, while warm conditions can speed maturity.

Can you grow kohlrabi Early White Vienna in containers?▼

Yes, Early White Vienna grows excellently in containers due to its compact size. Use containers at least 8-10 inches deep and 6-8 inches wide per plant. Choose a pot with drainage holes and fill with quality potting mix enriched with compost. Container plants need more frequent watering and benefit from weekly liquid fertilizer applications.

What does kohlrabi Early White Vienna taste like?▼

Early White Vienna has a unique flavor that's often described as a cross between sweet cabbage and crisp turnip, with an apple-like crunch. The taste is mild, slightly sweet, and refreshing – much less peppery than radishes. Young bulbs are the sweetest, while oversized ones become woody and bitter.

When should I plant kohlrabi Early White Vienna?▼

Plant Early White Vienna 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost date, when soil temperatures reach 45°F. For fall crops, plant 10-12 weeks before your first expected frost. In hot climates, avoid summer planting as heat causes bolting and bitter flavor.

Is kohlrabi Early White Vienna good for beginners?▼

Absolutely! Early White Vienna is considered one of the easiest brassicas for beginners. It's fast-growing, relatively pest-resistant, and forgiving of minor care mistakes. The main challenge is harvesting on time – don't let bulbs grow too large or they become tough and inedible.

How do you know when kohlrabi Early White Vienna is ready to harvest?▼

Harvest when bulbs reach 2-3 inches in diameter and feel firm but slightly yielding when pressed. The skin should be smooth and pale green without cracks or blemishes. Don't wait for larger sizes – oversized bulbs become woody and lose their sweet flavor. Most are ready 55-65 days from planting.