🌱 Trying Something New: Starting Purple Vienna Kohlrabi from Seed
A greenhouse moment from Roots OMG – where we let curiosity grow.
Have you ever grown kohlrabi before? Until today, I hadn’t either. But that’s the joy of gardening—there’s always something new to try, something unexpected to root into.
I’m starting this plant from non-GMO heirloom seeds, and to be honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten kohlrabi before. But something about its quirky look and cool-season preference made it a perfect candidate for my greenhouse trials.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
Here in Ohio, we’ve got about four more weeks before our final frost date. That makes this the perfect window to start seeds indoors. Kohlrabi can handle a little frost and thrives in early spring conditions.
- Start indoors: 3–4 weeks before your last frost
- Transplant spacing: 6–8 inches apart
- Cold tolerant: Absolutely!
A Little Bit of Faith, A Whole Lot of Dirt
When you plant in early spring, you’re trusting the process. You’re hoping your timing’s right, your materials are solid, and the weather plays fair. But the beauty is—if it works, you’ve got a head start. If it doesn’t, you’ve still got time to try again.
I sprinkled two or three of the tiny kohlrabi seeds into each pot. They’re small, like lettuce seeds, and you always want to hedge your bets by sowing a few extras.
What I’m Using: Coconut Coir
Instead of traditional soil, I’m starting these seeds in coconut coir. It’s a sustainable, light, and fluffy planting medium made from ground coconut husk. It holds moisture well but doesn’t get soggy—perfect for giving seeds room to breathe and stretch.
After sowing and watering, I placed the pots in a warm, well-lit area of my greenhouse and let hope do the rest.
Stay Tuned!
I’ll be watching for sprouts over the next few days. Kohlrabi is new territory for me, but gardening isn’t about being an expert—it’s about showing up with curiosity and care.
Let’s see how this goes. I’ll keep you posted. And if you’ve grown kohlrabi—or have questions about starting seeds in coconut coir—drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and learn from your journey too.