Increasing in popularity, kohl rabi is a brassica that produces swollen edible stem bases. It is more tolerant of warm weather than turnips and easier to grow successfully. It grows quickly, maturing in a few months from sowing.
Both green and purple forms are available.
The taste is generally nutty with a slight celery and cabbage taste.
Sow seeds 13mm (0.5in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart from April to July.
Thin out the seedlings until the plants are 15cm (6in) apart.
Soak the soil during periods of dry weather, but try to keep it constantly moist.
Provide protection against birds and cabbage rootfly.
It's important to harvest when the plants are young and the swollen stem bases are between golf- and tennis ball-size. If you leave them too long they lose their taste and tenderness. Plants can be harvested until mid-December.
The leaves can also be eaten.
