Purple Kohlrabi Microgreens
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
Harvest when round and about 8" diameter, before it begins to elongate. At this size, the roots will store well and the flesh will be sweet, tender, and delicious. Kossak will keep in cold storage for up to 4 months. Also available in organic seed.
Harvest
80d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
6–9
USDA hardiness
Height
10-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Purple Kohlrabi Microgreens in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 microgreen →Zone Map
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Purple Kohlrabi Microgreens · Zones 6–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 4 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 5 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 6 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 7 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 8 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 9 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
| Zone 10 | January – December | — | — | January – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits dry and split when ripe.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Siliqua. Length: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh purple kohlrabi microgreens store best when harvested dry and immediately placed in breathable containers. Use plastic clamshell containers lined with paper towels or perforated bags to maintain proper humidity while allowing air circulation. Store in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with 90-95% humidity for optimal shelf life of 7-10 days.
For longer preservation, purple kohlrabi microgreens can be flash-frozen on parchment-lined trays before transferring to freezer bags, though this changes their texture and makes them suitable only for smoothies or cooked applications. Dehydrating at low temperatures (95-105°F) creates a concentrated garnish that retains the peppery flavor while losing the fresh crunch. Unlike mature kohlrabi, microgreens aren't suitable for traditional preservation methods like fermentation or canning due to their delicate structure.
History & Origin
Purple kohlrabi microgreens represent a modern adaptation of an ancient vegetable with a fascinating European heritage. Kohlrabi itself originated from wild cabbage along the Mediterranean coast and was first documented in Northern Europe around the 15th century. The name derives from German 'kohl' (cabbage) and 'rabi' (turnip), reflecting its unique appearance.
The purple varieties of kohlrabi were developed through selective breeding in the 19th century, particularly in German and Austrian agricultural regions where the vegetable became a staple crop. The deep purple coloration comes from anthocyanins, the same compounds that give red cabbage its color.
The cultivation of kohlrabi as microgreens is a 21st-century innovation, part of the broader microgreens movement that began in California in the 1980s. Purple kohlrabi microgreens became popular among commercial growers and home enthusiasts around 2010 as the visual appeal of colorful microgreens gained traction in restaurants and farmers markets. Today's purple kohlrabi microgreen varieties are typically hybrid selections bred specifically for their vibrant stem color and rapid, uniform germination.
Advantages
- +Attracts: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
- +Wildlife value: It serves as a host plant for butterflies, moths, flies, sawflies and beetles.
- +Edible: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lettuce
Similar growing conditions and harvest timing, efficient space utilization
Radish Microgreens
Compatible brassica family member with similar care requirements
Arugula Microgreens
Fellow brassica with complementary spicy flavor profile
Pea Shoots
Nitrogen-fixing properties benefit soil health for successive plantings
Chives
Natural pest deterrent against aphids and flea beetles
Cilantro
Attracts beneficial insects and provides flavor contrast
Spinach Microgreens
Similar light and moisture requirements, good companion crop
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for flea beetles and aphids that target brassicas
Keep Apart
Fennel
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of brassica family plants
Strawberries
May stunt growth of brassicas through root competition
Tomatoes
Different pH and nutrient requirements can negatively impact kohlrabi growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168424)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance typical of brassicas
Common Pests
Flea beetles, aphids
Diseases
Clubroot, black rot, damping off
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do purple kohlrabi microgreens take to grow?▼
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