Description

KnolKhol Purple Kohlrabi OP Seeds

Knolkhol, also known as kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes), belongs to the cabbage family. It is grown for its swollen, above-ground stem, not a root or true bulb. Although typically biennial for seed production, it is usually harvested as a vegetable in its first season.

Appearance and Flavor

Purple kohlrabi typically has purple outer skin and pale flesh. Leaf stalks arise around the swollen stem, not only from its top. Harvested young, the flesh is crisp and tender, with a mild flavor resembling a broccoli stem or turnip.

Nutritional Value

Kohlrabi provides vitamin C and dietary fiber, with smaller amounts of vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Nutrient amounts depend on serving size and preparation. It can contribute to a varied diet, but should not be described as treating digestive problems or inflammation, detoxifying the body, or guaranteeing improved immunity or bone health.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Grow in a locally suitable cool or mild season. Roughly 10-25°C can support growth, though extended heat can impair quality. Plants tolerate light frost. In many Indian plains, the cooler months are suitable.
• Soil: Use fertile, well-drained soil enriched with mature compost, preferably around pH 6.0-7.5.
• Sunlight: Choose a sunny position with adequate space for growth.
• Watering: Maintain even moisture without waterlogging. Severe drying followed by heavy watering can contribute to poor quality or cracking.

Propagation and Planting

• Sowing: Direct sow or start seeds in a clean nursery medium, approximately 0.5-1 cm deep. Harden off sturdy seedlings before transplanting.
• Germination: KnolKhol Purple Kohlrabi OP Seeds often germinate within about 5-10 days under suitable temperature and moisture, but timing varies.
• Spacing: Allow approximately 20-30 cm between plants and sufficient row space for access and air circulation.
• Care: Remove weeds carefully, mulch established plants, and apply compost or fertilizer according to soil needs rather than overfeeding.

Harvesting

Harvest swollen stems while young and tender, commonly around 5-8 cm across unless the specific cultivar is known to remain tender at larger sizes. Oversized stems may become woody.

Cut below the swollen stem with a clean knife, or lift the plant and trim its roots. Leaving roots behind does not guarantee another harvest.

Culinary Uses

Stems grown from KnolKhol Purple Kohlrabi OP Seeds can be washed, peeled as needed, and sliced or grated into salads and slaws, or cooked in soups, stews, stir-fries, and roasted dishes. The leaves are also edible and can be cooked like kale or collard greens. Purchased sowing seeds are not for eating.

Crop Rotation and Garden Biodiversity

Rotate kohlrabi with unrelated crops to help manage brassica pests and soil-borne diseases. Kohlrabi does not inherently increase soil fertility. Plants allowed to flower can provide resources for pollinators, but flowering usually comes after the preferred vegetable harvest stage.

Native seeds, desi seeds, organic seeds, heirloom seeds, op seeds

Pros and cons

• Guaranteed Authenticity: Every seed & bulb is hand-selected & verified to be true-to-variety native & open-pollinated.
• Strong Resilient Growth: Traditional varieties bred over generations for hardiness adaptability & natural resistance.
• Supports a Larger Cause: Every purchase supports small farmers & helps conserve endangered native seed varieties.
• Seed-Saving Ready: Being non-hybrid you can save seeds from your harvest & grow the same variety again next season.
• Premium Pricing: Sourcing rare native genetics directly from small farmers plus manual quality checks costs more than mass-market hybrid seeds.
• Limited & Seasonal Stock: Because many varieties are rare & grown in small batches stock is limited & can sell out before the season peaks.
• Slightly More Care Needed: Native & heirloom varieties may need more attentive growing conditions than common commercial hybrids.
• Longer Dispatch on Some Items: Certain rare or seasonal varieties may take longer to source & dispatch than always-in-stock products.