Kohlrabi

* Common name: Kohlrabi

* Botanical name: Brassica oleracea

* What it is: A cabbage-family edible that produces creamy-green or violet tennis-ball-sized orbs that grow just above the soil surface. Broccoli-like leaves emanate all around the orbs to give the plant a unique “other-worldly” appearance.  

* Size: Foliage grows 12-15 inches tall. Space young plants or seeds 6 inches apart.

* Where to use: Vegetable garden or pots in full sun to light shade.

* Care: Direct-seed in the garden starting in late March and then every 2 weeks through April for a staggered harvest. Young plants also can be started inside 4 to 6 weeks in advance. A fall crop can be planted in late August. Kohlrabi is ready for harvest in 40 to 55 days, depending on variety. Pick before they get too big and woody. Work compost and slow-release balanced organic fertilizer into the soil at planting. Keep the soil consistently damp.

* Great partner: Group with other cole crops (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards) so you can cover the whole area with floating row covers in the event of cabbageworm trouble. Green lettuce looks good with purple kohlrabi. ‘Crispy Colors Duo’ is an excellent variety from Renee’s Garden Seeds that offers both green and purple kohlrabi in one seed packet.