Kohl Rabi , Delicacy Purple (German 'Cabbage Turnip')

Brassica oleracea gongylodes, 'Cabbage Turnip', (circa 1501 – Germany) named  for the German "Kohl" (cabbage) & the Swiss German "Rübe (turnip), as the swollen stem resembles a turnip. A hardy brassica grown for its mildly sweet, well-textured, swollen turnip-shaped lower stem, which has an appearance like a spiky sputnik. The flavour is reminiscent of a cross between a turnip & a water chestnut, offering a crisp, crunchy texture & the leaves are also edible. These can be found in two colours: pale green & the less common purple, with pale green or white flesh inside. It’s rich in Vitamin C & Potassium & serves as an attractive ornamental garden plant. Harvesting is typically ready within 2 to 3 mo; &best picked when approx. 3 ins in dia to avoid stem becoming tough & woody. Seed Count Approx - 245 avg 

  SOWING - Very Winter Hardy,  Create a firm seed bed in any reasonably light, fertile, free draining soil. Sow seeds, 1cm  deep in rows 30cm apart from late February (under cloches or fleece) to early March, continuing until mid-August in warmer areas. Sow a little and often, say every three weeks, for a constant supply. Begin picking when swelling about 2 to 3 in wide, (7 to 8 wks)